A CYCLIST has set off on a nine-day ride to support a young woman who has been diagnosed with a rare disorder which affects one in every 250,000 people around the world.

Mike Kear, 50, of Castle Street, Usk, has started the 969-mile Ride Across Britain challenge from Land’s End to John O’Groats in a bid to raise £5,000 for Bardet-Biedl Syndrome UK charity.

He chose the charity after his friend’s daughter, Ellie Jones, 18, was diagnosed with Bardet-Biedl Syndrome, which means she is partially sighted.

On the second day of the challenge, Saturday, cycling star Mark Cavendish met up with those taking part, before riding with the group from Bath to Ludlow on the Sunday.

Mr Kear is cycling more than 100 miles each day and camping overnight. To donate, visit virginmoneygiving.com/mikekear.