David Lambert, from Denton, targets 1,000 miles in 25 days for Diabetes UK fundraiser

A grandfather started an epic cycling challenge this week to raise more money for a charity close to his heart.

David Lambert, from Denton, will attempt to ride 1,000 miles across 25 consecutive days.

Having started on Tuesday, the 76-year-old has a long way to go if he is to complete Diabetes UK’s Pedal for Progress challenge.

“About two years ago, I raised more than £1,000 by doing 1.7 million steps for the same charity,” he said. “Then I saw this one advertised.

“So I thought I would do it. There was a choice between completing 250, 500, or 700 miles, but me being me, I thought I would do 1,000.”

Mr Lambert has been a long-time advocate of the charity, which works to improve the lives of people with diabetes and their families.

“My grandson, James, who is now 16, was taken to A&E and nearly fell into a diabetic coma before he was diagnosed with type one diabetes a few years ago,” he said.

“My mother’s cousin lost both legs through diabetes and I have a couple of friends who have type two, so this cause is close to my heart.”

The keen cyclist, who does a Friday ride with his friends, clocking up between 20 and 30 miles at a time, said he knows this will be a different type of challenge.

“It works out at 40 miles a day,” he said. “I have some ideas of routes I can take, but doing it every day is going to be a big ask.

“I will even be riding on my 77th birthday to put the miles in.”

Mr Lambert has set up a fundraising page for the challenge and has already hit his target.

He said: “I wanted to do this for the challenge of it and only put up a target of £300, so it is great to have gone over that. I would like to say thank you to everyone who had donated so far.”