A FATHER and son duo have cycled 153 miles to raise money for two great charities. 

Ben O'Flynn and his father, Matt, of Beach Cresent on Walney, took to their bikes to raise money for Marie Curie and Alzheimer's Research.

After losing both his grandads to the illnesses, Ben and his dad decided to cycle the 153 miles from Walney to Whitby in an attempt to raise funds.

Sixteen-year-old Ben explained: "We'd already booked a family holiday to Whitby and because we live on Walney, we thought of the Coast to Coast and thought we might as well cycle it. 

"I lost my two grandads two years ago to Alzheimer's and cancer so we thought we'd try and raise some money. 

"Marie Curie has done a lot for my family so it's nice to give something back."

The pair began their trek on Wednesday August 5 and glided into Whitby yesterday afternoon. 

Speaking on Friday morning, Matt, 53, said: "It's going really well and we're really pleased.

"The first day was tough, especially near Kendal and Sedbergh but it's going alright."

Both cycling enthusiasts, the pair has had plenty of training for the event but has never taken on a challenge of this scale together before. 

Ben said: "I've never been tour cycling before.

"I've done a few longer rides in preparation but I've never done anything like this.

"I've always enjoyed cycling so was already quite fit but since the turn of the year I've been doing  six or seven-hour rides to prepare."

He continued: "We planned on doing it last year but I had an accident and completely ruined my leg so we decided to do it this year instead."

The pair has already raised a few hundred pounds for the charity but are expected to announce the grand total after their holiday and are hoping to have made a difference. 

Ben said: "Most charities rely a lot on donations so without people doing stuff like this and people just thinking other people would do it then they wouldn't get anything.

"Charities like Marie Curie put so many hours into supporting people and their families so it's just nice to have the opportunity to give something back.

"If you put the training in and make sure you're properly prepared then it's not out of reach for anyone."