A CYCLIST will be enduring 100 miles and 13,000 feet of mountain biking within 24 hours to raise money for abused animals.

Burnham resident Sherif Harding, 35, will be taking on one of the toughest one day cycling events in Europe – the South Downs Way off-road ride – this weekend.

One of the 15 National Trails in the UK, South Downs Way runs from Winchester to Eastbourne, a rough distance of 100 miles with 13,620 feet of mountainous terrain.

Mr Harding will be attempting to complete the monumental challenge within a day beginning at 5am on his own-custom built mountain bike.

He said: “I've only been cycling properly for about three years, and in that time I have caught the bug seeking out charity sportive to try and raise money for good causes whilst keeping fit and exploring different parts of the country.

“Over the last year I have become very interested in mountain biking in particular, culminating in my building a couple of bikes from scratch from a mix of second hand and bargain bin parts.

“It is these two bikes I have been training on over the last few months, and one of which will be my bike for this latest challenge, which really is the big one.

“It’s one of the toughest one day events in Europe, incorporating in excess of 13,000ft of climbing across the full 100 mile length of the South Downs from Winchester to Eastbourne.

“I'm probably a year off of being prepared for such a heinous challenge, particularly in this searing heat, but I do love a challenge, and I'll try and finish it even if it takes me longer than the designated time limit.”

Sherif will be raising funds for the Hopefield Animal Sanctuary in Brentwood, which cares for a variety of animals who have suffered abuse, mistreatment or were unwanted, and the British Heart Foundation.

The philosophy behind this is to suffer physically to capture the imagination and raise awareness and funds in the name of the mistreated animals taken in by the sanctuary.

“It’s also to show that anybody can cycle anywhere on relatively cheap and basic equipment.”

Sherif will take on the challenge on Saturday and has so far raised more than £200. To donate, visit http://bit.ly/2u5olLD.