TWO cyclists are set to get on their saddles to pedal 330 miles in three days to support a cause close to their hearts.

Royston Brett, from Golborne, and John Hughes, from Leigh, are setting off on Friday, December 1 and plan to get to Canterbury on Monday, December 4 to raise money for a two-year-old girl called Poppy who has a life-threatening tumour.

Dad-of-four Royston, who regularly campaigns for armed forces causes, spotted the appeal by the girl's serviceman dad Robbie Shields on social media, who is hoping to raise £300,000 for her to have treatment in America.

After making contact with Robbie, Royston arranged to do the challenge with John and they will both meet the family in Canterbury- not far from where they live.

Royston, 45, said: "It touched me when I seen the appeal and I just thought I had to do something to help.

"I am hoping to get as much support as possible in Canterbury on the Monday for Poppy and have contacted the Royal British Legion to see if they can get ask servicemen and veterans to come on the day.

"Of course it is important to draw attention to the fundraising that the family are doing but I would like there to be a big turnout from the whole community for her so that she can see how brave we all think she is and how much she deserves the treatment."

Poppy, who has neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), has had 58 rounds of chemotherapy since she was diagnosed with a tumour in July 2016.

Poppy's mum Elle said: "I think it is a really nice thing that Royston is doing.

"There has been so much support for Poppy from people who have never met her which is great.

"For people to reach out in ways like this with so much effort is greatly appreciated."

To donate to Royston's challenge visit http://bit.ly/2yx2q39.

He is also asking if businesses would like to sponsor him on his trek to cover food and accommodation in exchange for their names printed on his cycling top.

To sponsor Royston contact him on 07594 926343.