A tenacious fundraiser is celebrating a milestone birthday by cycling more than 1,000 miles to raise money for charity in memory of his step-son.

David Kinniburgh, 69, will be riding his trusty Claud Butler bike, which he calls Claudio, from Lands End to John O’Groats in May to raise money for Lymphoma Research Trust.

The ride will be the second mammoth challenge he has taken on in aid of the charity, which fights the deadly disease which killed step-son Paul Crommie, aged just 32.

Mr Kinniburgh, of Albert Court, Braintree, said: “He was like my own flesh and blood. He seemed proud of the fact I was his step-dad

“I was devastated by the loss of Paul, especially at such a young age - he will be willing me on on the road.”

Estate agent Linda Druce is supporting Mr Kinniburgh’s challenge, in memory of her husband Les and brother Barry who died of lymphoma.

“I am 70 next month but I do not want any fuss made,” Mr Kinniburgh said.

“I thought I would take the time away and disappear for a bit.

“It is 1,086 miles, but it will probably be more than 1,100 by the time I get lost.

“I just take it one day at a time, if you think about the whole thing it is self-defeating.”

Mr Kinniburgh plans to stop at youth hostels along the way, hoping to meet new friends in what he is looking forward to as a real adventure.

“I am quite slow and I do not belong to any cycling clubs. It is just me on my own,” he said.

“I love the freedom cycling gives you and I have nothing to worry about when I am riding.”

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