A SCOUT leader from Brentwood plans to cycle 1,000 miles from John O’Groats to Lands End - without stopping or sleeping.

Former soldier and Afghanistan vet Gareth Sell, 31, with support from Matt Stephens, 28, who works at CVS International in the town, will start the journey in Scotland at first light tomorrow morning (13th) and hopes to reach Cornwall in time for breakfast on Sunday.

The duo, along with two other men from Dartford and France, will be doing it to raise money for children’s charity Unicef.

Gareth, who is leader of the 1st Pilgrims Hatch scout troop, is no stranger to endurance cycling having completed the 5,000 kilometres from Sydney to Perth in 2012, and 2,700 kilometres from Jyvaskyla in Finland to London in fourteen days last summer.

He admits his latest challenge will serve up some unusual challenges: Gareth said: “Doing such a long ride non-stop is a massive challenge both mentally and physically.”

He added: “My diet for the ride will consist of cereal and chocolate bars as these are high in energy but low on waste: have you ever tried spending a penny whilst riding a bike? For fluids I’ll be taking in water and energy drinks.

“A major challenge in larger towns and cities will be ensuring I don’t get parted from the support vehicle which may be difficult in slow moving traffic when the bike will often move faster than the car.”

Matt, who has been co-ordinating sponsorship for the event, said: "Our fundraising target is a thousand pounds, that's one pound for every mile pedalled.”

To follow the teams’ progress over the weekend and to donate to the cause, go to www.epic83.webs.com.