AT an age when most people are starting to think about slowing down, Ian Styles is about to cycle the length and breadth of the country.

Ian, 60, from Taunton, sets off on Friday on his unsupported ride from John o'Groats to Land's End, a challenging total of 970 miles.

Then after a short break, he'll be back in the saddle to tackle a further 330 miles from Bristol to London and back, this time accompanied by his friend, Richard.

Along the way Ian will be raising sponsorship for Breast Cancer Now in memory of a friend and work colleague Kim Colls, who died from the illness.

Ian is no stranger to long-distance challenges and undertook a gruelling 'boat, bike and boot' marathon last year boat, bike and boot - canoeing 130-miles up and down the Caledonian Canal, cycling 330 miles from Bristol to London and back and walking 630 miles along the South West Coastal Path laden down with all his kit.

He said when he started his fundraising efforts three years ago, 16,500 women in this country were dying from breast cancer every year - that was down to 11,500 by last year.

"Because of people's generosity, Breast Cancer Now has been able to see through an educational programme that, combined with advances in treatment and scientific breakthroughs, has led to a reduction of 5,000 women dying from breast cancer in three years," said Ian.

"That's the value of every pound donated.

"The scientists and everyone working with them firmly believe that 2050 will be the last year any woman dies of breast cancer.

"Everyone who make a donation towards Breast Cancer Now is saying to their grandchildren, 'You won't die of breast cancer'."

To sponsor Ian go to justgiving.com/fundraising/cycle4kim or text CANU70 plus the amount you wish to donate to 70070.