A STRETFORD man is among a group of seven intrepid Manchester cyclists who are to cycle 100 miles across Britain, delivering 100 poppies, to 100 First World War memorials in just 24 hours.

The team, many of whom are in their sixties, are undertaking the WW100 Challenge in a bid to raise £100,000 for charity.

The dauntless group have faced a huge logistical challenge in identifying a route that will allow them to pay tribute, not only to those who lost their lives in battle, but also civilians and conscientious objectors.

The 24 hour challenge begins today, June 28, at 4pm, the 100th anniversary of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the catalyst which led to the beginning of the conflict.

Michael, 59, a senior lecturer at the University of Salford, said: “The WW100 Challenge team is a group of friends who set ourselves a challenge every couple of years where we try to master a new physical skill, incorporating all three mainland British nations – this time we decided on long distance cycling.

“2014 coincides with the centenary of World War One, which we wanted to commemorate, whilst hoping to raise money for Parkinson’s UK, a charity close to our hearts.”

The group will cycle 33 miles in Scotland, 33 in Wales and 24 in England, starting at Edinburgh Castle and finishing at the Cenotaph on Whitehall.

They will place a poppy at each memorial, all of which have been knitted or crocheted by family, friends and supporters from all over the world.

For more information or to sponsor the team, visit ww100challeneg.co.uk.