TACKLING a 100-mile cycling fundraiser is a group of Whitehaven friends.

James Reid, along with Andrew Hurley, his son Andrew jnr and Don Haslett, are preparing for the upcoming challenge.

They will be tackling the gruelling London Surrey Prudential ride which takes place on July 31.

The group is hoping to raise cash for Bliss - a charity that helps premature and poorly babies along with their families.

James said: "Two have done the challenge before, for David Adamson who had leukaemia.

"And two of us [James and Andrew jnr] have just become dads. We were fortunate enough not to need the Bliss charity, but we can see how vital it is."

James's son Caleb is now nine months old and Andrew jnr's daughter Amelia is one.

The group-of-four has been training for about six months, says James, who works at Cumberland FA in Workington.

"I think the ride is really well organised. There are about 50 riders, from around the country, riding for the charity," he added.

Bliss was set up to ensure that babies born premature or sick in the UK have the best chance of survival and quality of life.

It offers emotional and practical support to families and equips them with the knowledge and skills they need to care for their baby.

The charity also works with health professionals to ensure care for babies on the neonatal unit is of the highest possible standard.

To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/JamesReid100