A Quarmby man is to cycle 1,500 miles to support a charity close to his heart.

Gareth Earnshaw is cycling from Rome to Leeds with his pal Joe Redhead.

And their route will take them high over the Alps through the famous Sankt Gotthard Pass.

The trip has been inspired to raise funds for Diabetes UK as Gareth’s girlfriend suffers from the condition.

Gareth, 29, said: “My girlfriend Fay Stanley has type one diabetes since she was seven-years-old.

“She has done some fundraising herself for Diabetes UK and she is my motivation for my charity bike ride.

“Unfortunately we had to postpone the ride this month until mid September because she wasn’t well and I didn’t want to be away when she was in hospital.

“My friend Joe is doing the ride with me and we are both keen cyclists but this is going to test us to the limit.

“We have done some practice rides and will carry everything we need, tents, a hammock etc, ourselves.

“It will take us two weeks to complete and we will cycle 1,500 miles in total.

“It will be a fantastic personal achievement and a great way to raise awareness for a charity which has supported Fay and thousands of others who suffer from diabetes.”

Their route will see them climb up winding mountain routes to a staggering height of 8,495 feet in the first week, with a total ascent of 32,873 feet setting the boys a real challenge.

They are expecting to cycle 1,500 miles in total with a 70 mile sprint from Hull to Leeds on the last day.

Both Gareth and Joe are hoping to raise £5,000 by doing the ride, which is also in memory of their friend Simon Pearson who died suddenly in September 2011.

To support Gareth, log on to Justgiving.com/BigCycleHome