Kind hearted friends have under three weeks to prepare for a 75 mile cycle ride.

David Timms, of Cranbourne Road in Northwood Hills has taken on the LA fitness Capital to Coast cycle ride in support of his friend Dominic Whittle, from Harrow, who lost his father Ian Whittle last month, and he has only just bought a bike.

Ian had suffered with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a degenerative neurological condition for which there is no known cause or cure, for 10 years. He was just 61 when he passed away.

David is collecting sponsorship for the PSP Association which supports sufferers and their carers.

Along with his team mate Dave Flannery, also 31 and from Northwood Hills, they hope to raise as much as they can in his memory.

“It seemed a good way to test myself and raise funds for my chosen charities,” said David, 31.

“Running is out of the question, having previously suffered torn ligament damage to my ankle and knee.

“After the loss of Ian Whittle, I wanted to support my friend. However, I didn’t even own a bike until May 25.”

Ian Whittle passed away in May 2014

He began training on May 26 with just four weeks to go before the ride.

“I started with a 14 mile bike ride which was incredibly challenging. I took last week as annual leave from work and got in the gym and out on the bike every day to build up strength as well as endurance with increased rides from the initial 14 mile up to 20 miles last weekend,” he said.

“I aim to complete a 30 mile ride this weekend and then up to 50 miles in the coming two weeks prior to the event date. It will be extremely challenging however it has inspired me knowing that the 75 miles will be a real accomplishment once complete.”

This is the first charity event David has ever taken on, but he says it will not be his last.

He has not set himself a fundraising target.

“It’s a big ask, but hopefully those who know me, and how little cycling I’ve done and the short lead in time, will dig deep for two great causes,” he said.

Despite his cycling novice, David says he is eager to test himself, but is most looking forward to arriving in Brighton.

He lived in Brighton for five years while at university, so says the route is particularly symbolic to him.

The LA fitness Capital to Coast ride markets itself as the ‘ultimate annual London to Brighton Bike challenge’.

It takes place on Sunday, June 22. The organisers encourage those with disabilities to take part, usually riding on tandem cycles with supporters.

“Their participation not only inspires other riders, but also instils an immense sense of achievement when they get to Brighton,” said an LA fitness spokesperson.

“The ride is suitable for all abilities.”

Some of David’s fundraising will also go to Norwood, a charity which works to enable people with learning disabilities and vulnerable children and families to maximise their potential, at home, in school and in life in general. Find out more at life.www.norwood.org.uk

The PSP Association supports people with PSP and their carers.

Sponsor David at www.virginmoneygiving.com/DT112