A FRIEND of the late Alex Evans will push himself to the limit to raise money for the Fund created in his memory.

Joe Miles will cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise money for the Alex Evans Fund.

The Fund was set up by the family of much-loved Alex Evans following his death last year.

So far the Fund has launched the Powerhouse Academy to support young performing artists in the county and the Counselling and Listening Service, which helps young people speak about their feelings.

Joe met Alex while working at the Courtyard and the pair were close friends. He now wants to do something to honour the memory of his much-missed pal.

Joe said: "Alex was really well loved within our circle of friends. He was such a generous and lovely guy. It was a huge, huge shock to everyone when he died.

"What Tim Evans [Alex's brother] has been doing with the Alex Evans Fund is fantastic.

"In the space of a year they have accomplished so much. I know Alex would be really proud of that."

Joe will take on the challenge with two friends, Charles Faulkner and Tom Brading, and each cyclist will raise money for a charity for which they have a personal connection.

Charles will fundraise for Epilepsy UK in honour of his sister who has the condition and Tom will raise money for the Children's Liver Disease Foundation in tribute to his girlfriend who was supported by the charity as a youngster.

They plan to undertake the gruelling challenge as self-sufficiently as possible and they will sleep in the trees as they are taking hammocks rather than tents.

Joe managed to fall off his bike when cycling at 40mph during training, but hopes to avoid any injuries during the real event.

He said: "We've done a little bit of training, but for the most part its all in the head. Keep focussed and the rest will look after itself."

Tim Evans, Alex's brother, paid tribute to Joe's efforts and said: "I'm quite in awe of what he's doing."

The challenge begins on Friday, August 10 and they plan to cycle 100 miles on the first day.

To sponsor the challenge, visit: www.bit.ly/aefcycle