Rugby School pupils cycling to Skegness to raise funds for Kidney Research UK

Dino Gallone, Ethan Laporta, Dom Pritchard and Luca Cinquini-Steel only really started cycling during lockdown but decided to test themselves in aid of Kidney Research UK.

Ethan's mother Tanya is waiting for a transplant due to kidney failure so the friends wanted to complete the challenge, as well as cycling home, to help her.

Dino said: "We're really looking forward to it, we've been working up to it for a while now so it's really kicking in now."

The 16-year-olds from Northamptonshire and Warwickshire got into cycling when Rugby School closed and other sports ended because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Dino said they realised they were going further and further as well as enjoying it so they came up with the idea to do a whole day of riding for charity.

Kidney Research UK was an easy choice as Tanya has been unwell for around three years and they are all well aware of the strains it has brought on Ethan and his family.

Dino's mother Cathy said: "They had to beg us mums as they're only 16 but Dom has family near Skegness and they're doing it all themselves, training, the route and accommodation so we're quite proud of them."

The pals will be leaving from Ethan's home in Brixworth at around 7am tomorrow (Wednesday, July 15).

They hope to reach Skegness by around 5-6pm, where they will stay for two nights for their first holiday away from their parents before riding home.

The fundraising has already begun, with the initial goal of £200 reached quickly as the current total standing at £1,356.

Cathy said: "It's so lovely how much they have raised, I think they are a bit overwhelmed."

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/bikerboysontour.