Brothers set off on 800-mile charity bike ride

The brothers usually prefer to play hockey or run rather than cycle

Two brothers are tackling a charity bike ride from their home to the Alps.

Sam and Josh Harwood-White are cycling 800 miles (1,287km) from Kingston-Upon-Thames to Val Pellice in northern Italy.

The duo, aged 21 and 16, are aiming to raise £8,000 for Cancer Research UK as both of their parents have been treated for cancer.

They usually prefer to play hockey or run rather than cycle so see this as a "huge challenge".

Both of Sam and Josh's parents have been treated for cancer

Speaking to BBC Radio Surrey, Sam said: "I've been very excited for a long time but I'm very nervous now we are a lot closer.

"We cycle to Newhaven before taking an overnight ferry to France and then we go down to the north west of Italy and cross into Italy up a mountain.

"We like cycling and this appeals to us as a kind of adventure. We are hoping it will take 12 days and we are hoping we stay on time due to bookings we have!"

The brothers set off today and will be on their own for five days, before their parents arrive by car to support them.