Richard's revving up for The Longest Day Up! charity motorbike challenge

Richard Piper, 62, will attempt the challenge on Tuesday (June 21) to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

Those taking part in the event – called The Longest Day Up! – have to finish within 24 hours and avoid motorways.

Richard, a self-employed careers and education adviser, will ride a 1983 Honda CX500B which had been stored in a greenhouse for a quarter of a century before he bought it a couple of years ago.

He hopes to raise at least £500 for the charity.

Richard said: “This will be the second year in a row I have taken part, although last year we did it the other way, from John O’Groats to Lands End.

“It was pretty tough last time – we had torrential rain for the last few hours which was not pleasant, at night, in the dark, through the moors of Bodmin and places like that but I made it in one piece.

“It’s a fun event to take part in but of course the most important point is that competitors are all raising money for Cancer Research UK.

“Several members of my family have been affected by cancer over the years and it’s a cause I’m keen to support.”

Richard has been riding motorcycles since the age of 16 and has a couple of others at home, alongside the £350 Honda.

Laura Holland, volunteer manager for Cancer Research UK, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Richard has decided to attempt such a great challenge to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

“The riders have being doing lots of preparation and we’re sure they’re going to have an amazing experience. We can’t thank them enough for all their support and want to wish them all the very best on the day.”

n If you would like to sponsor Richard, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Richard-Piper5

For further information about Cancer Research UK’s work, visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.uk.