A Norfolk law firm has given a trio of record-breaking transatlantic rowers and a consultant neurologist a grand send-off as they plan a marathon cycle ride.

Hansells Solicitors and Financial Advisers has promised Dr Jeff Cochius and his fellow-riders £1,000 in sponsorship for the 968-mile Land's End to John O'Groats ride, boosting the amount already pledged by supporters.

Wishing the riders bon voyage, Hansells' Managing Partner Roger Holden said he was full of admiration for the cyclists, who are raising money for the newly-opened Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital's Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre in Norfolk (MSTCN).

The £250,000 centre, which provides a range of physical therapies, needs funds to install a specialist lift to give patients with impaired mobility full access to its services. It was opened at Alkmaar Way, near Norwich International Airport, in April.

'Hansells is delighted to support the wonderful work which is being done to help Multiple Sclerosis patients here in Norfolk,' said Mr Holden. 'Dr Cochius and his fellow cyclists deserve all the backing they can get.'

Dr Jeffrey Cochius, Clinical Director of Neurology at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, said: 'We are all very keen and looking forward to setting off on our 986-mile challenge. There will be three of us cycling the whole route with Mike Tooth supporting us along the way.'

Dr Cochius added 'I opened the new MS Therapy Centre Norfolk earlier this year and it's a nicer place for patients to visit.

'The £1,000 sponsorship from Hansells is very welcome and we are delighted to wear their jerseys during the ride. Hansells has a good history supporting local charities and we are most grateful for their contribution,' said Dr Cochius.

On behalf of Hansells, which has three offices in Norwich and other offices in Aylsham, Cromer, North Walsham, Reepham and Sheringham, Mr Holden presented the team with cycling shirts to be used during the ride.

'We are all very proud at Hansells to know that our name is associated with such a worthwhile venture,' said Mr Holden.

The party left Norwich at 8.30am on Friday 13 September for the 10-day ride beginning on Saturday 14 September. Dr Cochius is being joined by Julian Barnwell, chairman of the MS Society Norwich branch and Ray Carroll from Ireland. Mike Tooth from Norwich will be supporting the cyclists along the route. All three are transatlantic rowers who hold several world records between them.

Anyone who wants to follow Hansells' example and sponsor Dr Cochius is invited to log on to https://mydonate.bt.com/events/jeffreycochiuscycle

For more information on the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and their business to business exhibition, visit www.edp24.co.uk/business/norfolk-chamber-of-commerce or www.norfolkchamber.co.uk.