Bradford Teaching Hospitals’ chief information officer Brent Walker and his wife are turning to pedal power in a gruelling coast-to-coast cycle ride to raise money for  Arthritis Research UK.

Brent and wife Linda are taking up the challenge next month ( June 21-23) in memory of his father, James,  who died last year aged 82 after suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for over 40 years.

“My father had many health problems when he died, but the one he suffered from the most and for the longest was rheumatoid arthritis,” said Brent. “Despite the constant pain he never lost heart and he never gave up, so to honor his memory we are  raising some much needed cash for arthritis research.

“Deciding on the charity was easy as Arthritis Research UK is working to take the pain away for sufferers of all forms of arthritis and is striving to help people to remain active. They’re also funding high class research as well as providing information to sufferers and their families so it’s very worthwhile.”

The pair, who live in Ilkley, will cover 136 miles over three days starting in Workington in Cumbria before passing through Keswick and finishing just outside Penrith on their first day.

On day two they’ll cycle over the North Pennines, including the Hartside summit climb which is five miles long, before passing through Alston, Nenthead, Allenheads, and ending up in Rookhope.

The final day will see Brent and Linda climb out of Stanhope, before a long, fast descent through Consett down to Sunderland on the north east coast.

“The cycle will be hard as neither of us are that fit and both need to lose some weight,” continued Brent. “But the diet and the training have started, the pounds are being shed and our legs are getting thinner!”

“I know we'll struggle at times but if that's the case I'll just remember Dad's pain and how what I'm feeling won't even compare. I'll not lose heart and I won't give up. If all fails they'll have to drag me off the bike.”

If you would like to donate to Brent and Linda’s charity cycle you can log on to:  www.justgiving.com/brent-walker