INTREPID cyclists are set to complete a route from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise money for a Crewe-based epilepsy charity.

The cycling team, who have already surpassed their fundraising target for the Jon Shaw Foundation, stopped off in Crewe last Thursday on their 10-day mission.

They enjoyed a refreshments pit stop at the White Lion on Warmingham Road before being cheered back into their saddles by Wendy Shaw, who set up the Foundation in memory of her son, Jon, who died, aged 19, from SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy in 2019.

Izzie Pettit, the girlfriend of Wendy's eldest son, Mike, is undertaking the 1,010-mile route, with her sister, Christina.

Mike and Martyn Higson, Christina's partner, are manning a support car, emblazoned with the Foundation logo, provided by James Quigley at Acorn Motor Group in Crewe.

Wendy said: "They set off last Monday and are aiming to get to John O Groats on Wednesday (August 18), which will mean 10 days of cycling 100 miles a day.

"The money raised will be used to buy monitors and alarms that will keep young people living with epilepsy safe from injury."

The riding team upped their initial target of £1,500 to £2,500 after getting a great response through their JustGiving page.

The equipment bought with the funds will support young people under 25 living with epilepsy to reduce the risk of SUDEP.

Since setting up over a year ago the Foundation has helped promote awareness of SUDEP and also provided services to improve the mental health of bereaved siblings.

"We've managed to help 11 families since we started. Typically a monitor costs £1,250 so the funds raised from the cycle ride will be put to good use," added Wendy.

"The pandemic was a difficult time for charities, but since January we've reached out to more people and our MP Kieran Mullan has helped us get in touch with different local authorities to talk about our work.

"We've also struck up a relationship with the neurology department at the Royal Stoke Hospital with a view to loaning monitors and working with the patients as part of a trial.

"It is all about reducing the risk."

Wendy says anyone needing support with living with epilepsy or improving the mental health of bereaved siblings can contact The Jon Shaw Foundation.

You can find details on the charity's website.