Former Norwich City footballer Paul McVeigh is reuniting with some childhood friends to cycle from Belfast to London to raise funds for a cancer charity.

Mr McVeigh, along with Conor Moss and Terry Lawlor, hopes the epic bike ride will raise between �2,000 and �3,000 for Bowel Cancer UK and help boost awareness of the charity.

The trio will set off from their family homes in Belfast on Thursday and hope to complete the journey of about 450 miles by Monday.

Mr McVeigh and Mr Moss decided to do the cycling challenge in memory of Mr Moss' aunt Joanne McAreavey who died of bowel cancer in January last year aged 47. The journey has been planned to represent her journey through life – from Belfast, where she grew up, to London, where she later moved and settled down.

When Mr Lawlor heard about the fundraiser he asked to join in with his old friends, whom he had not seen for 13 years, as his father was recently diagnosed with bowel cancer and is undergoing treatment.

Mr McVeigh, who played for Norwich City from 2000 until 2007 and returned to the club for the season which saw them promoted, said: 'We wanted to do something to raise awareness of bowel cancer. The bike ride is our small way of marking Joanne's life whilst also offering support to Terry's dad. If people feel able to sponsor us, we'd be very grateful.'

He added: 'The cycle ride is a huge challenge because we will be doing nearly 100 miles a day.

'I think it is the biggest physical challenge that I have ever done.'

The trio will be cycling from Belfast to Dublin, with Mr Moss' brother Christopher driving a support vehicle. They will then take the ferry from Dublin to Holyhead, and then cycle on to London, with Mr McVeigh's brother Brendan driving a support vehicle.

Nearly 40,000 people a year are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK.

Bowel Cancer UK aims to save lives by raising awareness of bowel cancer, campaigning for best treatment and care and providing support and advice.

The team will be making video diaries of their trip which will be posted on Mr McVeigh's Facebook page, and people will also be able to see updates on Mr McVeigh's Twitter page @paulmcveigh77

To sponsor the team visit www.justgiving.com/belfasttolondon

For information on Bowel Cancer UK visit www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk

Are you raising funds for a good cause? Call reporter Emma Knights on 01603 772428 or email emma.knights@archant.co.uk