A CYCLING club is taking on a mammoth 100 mile sponsored ride in aid of an Alzheimer’s charity.

Seven members of Dengie Cycling Club (DCC) will be taking on the Ride London course in the summer for Alzheimer’s Research UK. The 100 mile ride will see the group conquer some of Surrey’s toughest climbs, including Box Hill, used in the 2012 Olympic road race.

Club member Simon Parry, 39, of Barley Meadows, Southminster, was the driving force behind singing the club up.

He said: “My brother works for the charity and I made a passing commitment to him in the past that every few years I would try and raise some money for the charity.

“This year, I thought why not go bigger and better and roped the boys into it as well.

“The big challenge for us is going to be the inclines on the course in Surrey. Obviously it is quite flat around here, but we will be riding over some quite big hills in the ride.

“Box Hill is a really iconic climb and was used in the Olympics in 2012, and that is probably one of the easiest climbs on the course.”

The team, Liam and Kane Courtier, Stuart Beard, Stuart Lodge, Liam Haines, Jack Drury and Simon himself, have all set themselves a personal target of £600.

“That would leave us just shy of £4,500,” said Simon, “which would be fantastic.

“I have got personal experience with dementia, it is a cause that is quite close to my heart.

“My grandad was affected and I have seen the devastating impact this disease can have. Anything we can do to raise funds to fight it has to be a good thing.”

The fundraising has got off to a great start, with the group already half way. Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/SimonParry808.