Rory's bike was given to Phil by his parents after he passed away.

Graduate cycles from Exeter to Andorra in honour of friend

Phil Snell, a graduate from the University of Exeter is set to cycle from Exeter to Andorra on March 27, 2018.

The epic cycle is in honour of a close friend, Rory Cheetham, who passed away after having spent a day surfing at Saunton Sands back in January.

Phil will be joined by Rory’s father, Andy Cheetham, and a group of other close friends for the first leg of the journey between Exeter and Plymouth before completing the rest of the journey solo.

“Going on a long ride through unknown roads in Europe is something I've wanted to do for a while, so when I had the idea as a fundraiser there was even more motivation to get something organised” Phil said, “The positive response and encouragement from the Cheetham's has been brilliant and to have Andy join me alongside some other friends on the first leg will be really nice”.

“Working as a cycle courier Rory let me borrow his bike during the winter months while I arranged getting mine back in decent order. On his passing his family generously asked I kept hold of it and gave it good use. This trip to Andorra is one Rory would have almost certainly been on, so taking his bike there will be a nice touch.”

Phil is also raising money for Surfers Against Sewage, an environmental charity that aims to combat water and ocean pollution.

It is currently predicted it will take Phil eight days to complete the challenge. After a ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff, his current proposed stopovers are Pontivy, Nantes, La Rochelle, Bordeaux, Agen, Pamiers then finally Pas de la Casa in Andorra.

The public is invited to follow Phil’s progress on Facebook and to donate to his JustGiving page.

Date: 26 March 2018