Biking to beat bulge and raise charity cash in friends’ memory

The four intrepid cyclists are out to complete their route from Land’s End to John O’Groats in 12 days for two good causes.

The group, who describe themselves as “exercise-averse” are raising cash for the Motor Neurone Disease Association in memory of their friend Steve Burns, who died from the condition in July, and for The Karen Clifford Skin Cancer Charity in tribute to another friend, Simon Jones.

Steve, who grew up in Moorgate, was a stalwart member of Rotherham Round Table and and Rotherham CAMRA.

Amin Goodarzi, who is riding with friends Bahman Sarani, Amir Forouzanfar and Gerard Ulyatt, said the team were keen to raise awareness of the two “terrible illnesses” which claims their friends and boost funds to help support those individuals and their families who are affected.

The challenge saw them setting off from the most southerly point in England last Tuesday and cycling between 80 to 100 miles a day for 12 consecutive days to reach the far north of Scotland.

Amin, a friend of Steve Burns’ and his wife Sarah, said: “There was no-one nicer than Steve.”

Amin said the group — all from Sheffield — had found the Dartmoor hills tough but were determined to complete their challenge.

A message on the website lardylads.org reads: “Our friends’ incredible fights, determination, true grit and perseverance has given us the courage to take on our first grueling challenge.

“Please dig deep and donate whatever you can to fight MND and skin cancer.”

Visit the website to find out to sponsor the determined quartet, who you can also follow on Twitter @LardyLads.