AN ENERGETIC father-and-son team from Sidmouth have raised thousands of pounds for a cancer specialist hospital which is caring for their teenage relative. Roger and Marcus Worthington, of Arcot Road, have raised more than �2,000 for Christies Hospital in

AN ENERGETIC father-and-son team from Sidmouth have raised thousands of pounds for a cancer specialist hospital which is caring for their teenage relative.

Roger and Marcus Worthington, of Arcot Road, have raised more than �2,000 for Christies Hospital in Manchester-and the money is still rolling in.

In their bid to help their 16-year-old family member, Josh, who was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in February, the pair set out on a mammoth bike ride from John O'Groats to Lands End.

It took Roger, 46, and 19-year-old Marcus, 16 days to complete the gruelling 1000 mile trip, but their dedication has been well and truly rewarded through the support shown to them by family, friends and well-wishers.

Marcus, who is currently working at Sidmouth International School, said: "I originally set the target of �2,000 but I thought it was a bit over optimistic so I brought it down to �1,000.

"But we made that amount before we left and we bumped into some very generous people along the way. It has been absolutely brilliant and was just what we needed."

The last leg of the route was the most difficult for the fundraising duo, which Marcus described as "very hilly".

He added: "I'm glad we did it that way round. If we'd done it the bottom way up I think after the first few days we would have given up!"

The epic bike ride also coincided with Roger's birthday and the pair met up with family who were holidaying in Scotland.

"I brought some cards from home and a got a little cupcake with a candle," said Marcus.

"And it was quite a weird coincidence that some of our family were there."

The most emotional point during the route was when Roger and Marcus visited Josh, who lives in Manchester.

He is just starting his fifth phase of chemotherapy at the hospital and things are looking positive.

Marcus added: "It is pretty hellish but he is responding well to it. It's getting rid of the cancer which is the best thing we can wish for."

* If you would like to donate visit www.justgiving.com/end2end_christies.