A FATHER’S mental health struggles have inspired a team of Cornish engineers to tackle one of Britain's toughest endurance challenges.

A team from National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) based in Bodmin have been cycling from John O'Groats to Land's End to support a colleague whose father has bipolar disorder, while raising funds for five charities connected to their own experiences of cancer, mental health challenges, Alzheimer's and motor neurone disease.

While the team are based in Bodmin, for several of them, St Austell is the place they call home.

Cycle for Michael challenge participant Matt Hine said: "This challenge started because of my dad Michael and what our family has been through.

“We wanted to turn that experience into something positive by supporting charities that mean so much to us all.

"The support we've received has been incredible, and we're determined to keep pushing all the way to Land's End,” added Matt, who has never previously used a road bike.

Teammate Aaron West said: “We’ve experienced hills, headwinds and tired legs but every mile is for something bigger. It's about standing beside a mate, supporting a family, and raising money for everyone facing similar battles.”

The team, which consists of Matt Hine, Chris Hoskin, Jody Williams, Arron West, Ryan Brown and Phil Ball, supported by Simon Padley and James Farrow, have been doing the 870-mile journey for the Mental Health Foundation, Prostate Cancer UK, the Motor Neurone Disease Association, Alzheimer’s Society and Man Down UK. Also taking part is friend Andy Burnett who is supporting the Rifles Regimental Trust.

Months of preparation have gone into the challenge, with the team collectively clocking up more than 12,000 training miles before setting off – equivalent to nearly halfway round the globe.

Their original £10,000 fundraising target has already been reached but more donations are welcome at www.justgiving.com/team/cycleformichaelsept2026