A PAIR of brothers from Dursley are hoping a bit of pedal power will help to raise thousands of pounds for three charities close to their hearts.

Ex-Rednock School pupils Euan and Grant Scott will be setting off on Sunday, August 19 from Lands End in Cornwall to cycle more than 1,100 miles to John O'Groats in Scotland in 11 days.

The brothers are giving themselves the challenge to raise £10,000 in memory of their sister and to help their one-year-old nephew.

The three charities the pair have chosen to support are Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, the Restricted Growth Association (RGA) and the Pink Ribbon Foundation.

Speaking to the Gazette from his home in West Sussex, ex-Dursley Rugby player Euan, 30, said: "My family has been heavily involved with leukaemia research for many years since my sister died at the age of six about 36 years ago.

"The impact the work the charity has done in increasing the survival rate for people with leukaemia is quite poignant. It’s gone from 30 per cent when Rachel, our sister, was six to 70 per cent now."

The pair chose RGA to help their one-year-old nephew Mylo, who was born last year with a rare growth disorder called achondroplasia, more commonly referred to as dwarfism.

The RGA supports families of those who have been born with any form of growth condition as well doing crucial work in raising awareness.

The two brothers said they chose the Pink Ribbon Foundation because so many friends have been affected by breast cancer.

Euan and Grant, who is 40 and now lives in Chester, will be supported along their journey by their parents Joan and Keith, who still live in Cam, who will be driving the support vehicle.

During the challenge the brothers hope to make a quick return to their hometown. They are due to cycle through Dursley on Wednesday, August 22 while cycling between Cheddar and Tewkesbury.

To sponsor the pair visit http://fundraisers.everyclick.com/lejog-rga, www.justgiving.com/11daysinlycraLRF, or www.justgiving.com/11daysinlycraPRF The pair will also be updating a blog during the challenge. To see how they are getting on go to www.11daysinlycra.com