STAFF from the Greyhound Inn in Siddington are gearing up for a huge fundraising celebration with a gruelling 24-hour cycle.

This fundraising is being organised by landlord Chris Wright who wants to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society, a charity close to his heart.

The day long cycle challenge will take place on August 30, seeing the pub’s seven staff take turns to cycle on a static bike in the pub for two hours at a time.

Chris is confident that his staff are up to the challenge.

He said: “They’re all young – I’m the oldest at 42. They’re all in their 20s and will be raring to go.”

Staff will pedal from around lunchtime on August 30 to the same time on August 31 ahead of a huge event at the pub next week for the same cause.

On September 6 and 7 the team will host a beer and music festival with a selection of beers, ales and ciders to be enjoyed during performances from a line-up of local bands.

As well as the 18 hours of live music there will be a hog roast, market stalls and several activities aimed at younger guests including a bouncy castle and mini-quad bikes.

Entrance to the event will be free and money raised will go towards Alzheimer’s Society.

Several local businesses are supporting the event with discounts and free services but the event is still looking for sponsors and donors to help them raise more and keep costs down.

Chris has some experience with putting on events but nothing of this size.

He said: “This is the biggest event I’ve ever put on we’re trying to do as much as we can for as little as we can. We just want to raise as much as possible really.”

More information about the event can be found on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/1px70lu and donations can be made at http://bit.ly/1t2PoNG.