A RETIRED couple from Northleach will be putting metal to the pedal as they gear up to cycle more than a thousand miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

Sue Thornton and her husband Bill will set off on their epic cross county adventure in June to raise money for Nepalese children scarred by sexual exploitation and trafficking.

Speaking to the Standard, Sue, 66, said: “We’ve been to Nepal five times and done a lot of volunteering there. We love the country and we have taken very warmly to its people.

“We just want to help them in any way that we can.”

The determined duo first had the idea to cycle the length of the British Isles after their son took part in the same challenge three years ago. “Our son managed to complete it in 10 days but we’ll be going at a more relaxed pace,” Sue said.

“We want to complete it in 22 days so that means we’ll have to cycle around 50 miles every day. But we’re looking forward to it as we love journeying and travelling from place to place.”

The couple, who want to raise £2,000 for charity Freedom Matters, are also appealing to the public to give them a place to stay on each night of their challenge.

Bill, 65, said that age will not be a barrier to him and his wife. “I view retirement as a freedom that lets you do what you want, when you want.

“To be on the move day after day is a really wonderful feeling,” he said.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Sue and Bill, or offer them a place to stay during their trip, can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/billandsue.