STAFF are switching from a train to a tandem and plan to cycle from London to Southend in fancy dress in memory of a beloved friend.

The c2c employees will be raising money for Cancer Research UK after their friend and colleague, Leon Dyer, lost his battle with the disease.

Lee Leverett and Brian Askew will become Laurel and Hardy for the ride after deciding a tandem bicycle needed a famous duo in the saddles.

Lee and Brian revealed they are often compared to the comedy pairing which made the selection an obvious choice.

Lee said: “Last year our friend and colleague Leon Dyer was diagnosed with this dreadful illness.

“We did a charity zip line challenge in Snowdonia to raise more than £1,000 for Cancer Research UK.

“Leon sadly lost his battle with cancer and passed away on March 3.”

Despite their friend now being gone, the duo hopes their second challenge, on Sunday, May 27, can help more people battling the disease.

The charity cycle is their first challenge of 2018, and they are planning on continuing to raise money in memory of their friend after his death.

Lee added: “The struggle to beat this horrible disease goes on, and we are planning on doing two events this year to raise as much as we possibly can for this excellent charity.

“I hope the charity can help other families not have to suffer losing a loved one.”

From Fenchurch Street Station to Southend, Lee and Brian will ride about 40 miles.

They have set a modest target of £500 that they will donate entirely to Cancer Research UK.

So far kind donors have raised a total of £275 towards Lee and Brian’s cause.

Although they are looking forward to the event, Lee said he is under no illusion that it will be an easy task.

And he is hopeful they will not find themselves in the sort of fine mess as the duo they will be dressed as.

He said: “This will be a gruelling ride in itself, which will probably take best part of a whole day.”

Lee and Brian have set up a JustGiving page in support of their charity tandem cycle.

If you would like to donate, or to find out more, visit the page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lee-leverett.

The charity aims to try and find a cure to various forms of the deadly disease and help those who have been diagnosed.