Two friends from Southbourne are to spend six days in August cycling 480 miles to the Netherlands to help Dorset cancer patients.

Joe O’Toole and Natty Falzoni, both 24, will travel from Portsmouth via ferry to Caen on 24 August aiming to cover 130km a day through France and Belgium, before reaching Eindhoven by 30 August.

Joe is currently living in the Netherlands where he is studying physiotherapy, whilst Natty is an ambulance care assistant for patient transport in Bournemouth.

Joe said, “I returned home from university at the start of lockdown and have been very proud to see how the communities here in Southbourne and across Dorset have rallied to help each other during the COVID crisis.

“Natty and I love cycling and decided we could use that love to set ourselves a real challenge and help people too.

“A friend told us about the work of DCCF, (The Dorset Cancer Care Foundation) a small charity which helps local people who are struggling financially because of cancer.”

Team Speed – as they have dubbed themselves – are already close to raising their £1000 target, but hope more people will come forward and support them via their online JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/team/speed

Chris Thomas, the chairman of DCCF, said, “It really makes my heart swell with pride and gratitude when two great lads like Joe and Natty step up to help DCCF.

“The last few months have been a battle for the charity and the many people here in Dorset we support, who are already facing cancer against the added stress and worry of a global pandemic.

“Joe and Natty are an inspiration, their challenge is mighty and we hope they will inspire other young people to come forward and help DCCF too.”