THREE friends who rose through the ranks of Cirencester’s rugby club together are embarking on an epic fundraising journey in memory of Ashley Scrivens.

Rory McCarthy, Josh Brierley and Scott Brandreth are to cycle a colossal 425 miles visiting 10 premiership rugby clubs in five days before dismounting and running a full marathon.

The journey will end at Twickenham stadium on November 22, coinciding with England’s autumn international against Samoa.

The three friends joined the club aged 7 and played with Ash on Cirencester’s first team before he died in August this year.

Rory said: “I’ve done a half marathon but none of us are huge cyclists or anything. We all like keeping fit but this is big. It’s been pretty hectic trying to fit in all the long runs and bike rides into our schedule!”

Rory went on to how the people of Cirencester and beyond had helped out with advertising, photography, hosting events and sponsorship.

“The response has been awesome and really really humbling. The community was obviously shattered when he died and the response to this event is a way for us grieving” he said.

So far the team has raised around half of its target of £5,000 with charity pub quizzes, pokers nights and raffles adding to the funds promised for the run and the ride.

This weekend Josh will be cycling from London to Brighton and Rory will be cycling from Cirencester to Worcester as training for the event.

Scott Brandreth added: “We know it’s going to be tough, but all of us know we’ve got to do this for Ashley. We all played a lot of rugby with him over the years and this is in his memory and a tribute to him.

“Hopefully it will raise some awareness and help fund the research into finding a cure for cancer.”

Ashley Scrivens died aged 24 on August 24 from melanoma, a type of skin cancer which spreads throughout the body.

When his death was announced friends and family sent hundreds of messages via social media, flooding his Facebook page with tributes and messages of support for the family.

To find out more, visit www.ruckoffcancer.co.uk or support Cancer Research, go to www.justgiving.com/ruck-off-cancer