SIDMOUTH siblings in their 60s have set their sights on cycling the length of the UK to boost a quartet of worthy causes.

Brother and sister team John Loveridge and Marion Johnson are planning to pedal their way from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

Retired district council worker Marion, 60, of Lawn Vista, has already completed the ride in the other direction – and when John asked for her company to take on the challenge she readily accepted.

“It is particularly ambitious for someone of any age let alone over 60,” the duo told the Herald this week.

The pair are raising money for Devon Air Ambulance, Children’s Hospice South West, Sidmouth Victoria Hospital Comforts Fund and the Rwenzori Development Foundation.

One of the reasons for supporting the comforts fund is that both John and Marion were born at the hospital - and have both returned to Sidmouth after many years of living in London.

John, 62, of Darnell Close, has been no stranger to challenge – as a Metropolitan Police officer who served at Southwark and the Traffic Division at Bow and the M11, he has taken part in a triathlon and led a team in the Royal Marines Endurance Challenge on three occasions.

He and Marion will begin their mission from John O’Groats on September 2 and are aiming to complete the 900-mile distance in a fortnight.

They hope to make a lucky stop-off outside Sidmouth Hospital at around 3pm on Friday, September 13.

Donations can be sent to: JamJOGLE c/o 7 Darnell Close, Sidmouth, EX10 9JW.