CYCLISTS from Thornbury are set to take on a mammoth task this weekend to raise money for a nine-year-old boy with type one diabetes.

The ten riders are setting out to cover 280 miles in three days for Manorbrook pupil Alfie Huke, which is all the more impressive given almost all of them are complete novices to cycling.

The route will see the team, who range from 35 to 50-years-old, travel from Thornbury, through the Brecon Beacons, to Aberystwyth and back between Friday and Sunday.

Inspired by the difficulties faced by the nine-year-old in living with the condition each day, family friend Wez Flack convinced Alfie’s dad Chris that he could raise enough money for special new technology that would give his son the new lease on life that he deserves, launching the Just 4 Alfie campaign.

Alfie was diagnosed with the life-changing condition just before his third birthday and must vigilantly monitor his insulin levels throughout the day, and inject himself when needed to stay healthy.

The £7,000 target would help fund three years of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) equipment which would electronically monitor his condition and give him warning if intervention is needed.

As part of the fundraising campaign, the group have already held a quiz night at Thornbury Rugby Club and a swimarathon, having almost reached their target.

A video, which was made by Alfie and his friends for the quiz night to show just what he goes through each day, can be watched here.

Speaking about the journey they face this weekend, Wez and Chris said: “We have all realised we are going to experience something terrible over this weekend.

“Our first ride was in October when we did a short loop from Thornbury to Cowhill and back and that was tough.

“This weekend, we will be climbing around 5,500m, which is about three times the height of Ben Nevis”

“But we are great team, full of banter and ready to support each other. We have worked hard to get in shape for this and welcome the challenge.”

The group, who set off on Friday morning from Manorbrook School, also includes Alfie’s teacher Ross Williams, who jumped at the chance to help out the pupil.

Chris said: “It is unbelievable how much people are prepared to support my son.

“The fact that Ross is willing to join us and that the school would allow him to do so shows just how great a community this is.

I don’t know if we will ever truly be able to repay all this kindness. We are eternally grateful.”

To donate to Just 4 Alfie visit www.gofundme.com/JUST-4-ALFIE