TAKE two Irish brothers – one super-fit, the other not – chuck in a bike and an ancient steam road engine and see if they can get both vehicles from John O’Groats to Land’s End in seven days.
If they succeed, this will be the second time that the Cock o’ the North has made the run, the last time being a seven-day record-breaker in 1964.
The objective is to raise money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation, a charity whose mission is to brighten the lives of seriously and terminally ill children in order to take their minds off the pain, fear and isolation of their illness and to help strengthen family bonds during difficult times.
Ciaran (bike mad) and Mike (steam nut) Dreelan – both directors of Aberdeen oil service company Qserv – depart from John O’Groats on Saturday, July 12.
Mike will be supported by a small team of enthusiasts who will help ensure that the 1912 coal-fired Burrell Gold Medal steam engine makes the journey safely.
Ciaran, on the other hand, will be wholly reliant on the strength of his legs to propel his Trek road bike the 1,000 or so miles to Land’s End.
All proceeds raised will be donated to the charity.
For more details about the event or charity donations, call Mike on 07860 319911 or Ciaran on 07764 379031, or visit www.qserv.com. From July 12, the website will be updated daily to show Mike and Ciaran’s progress.