Disabled cyclist riding solo to John O'Groats and back

Cyclist Jay House, who can only walk with the aid of a stick has set off on a marathon journey that will see him ride 2000 miles in under 30 days solo in aid of the Cornwall Air Ambulance.

Jay's journey will see him travel approximately 100 miles a day, through England, Wales and Scotland and has taken months of planning and training.

"Everyone these days does John O'Groats to Lands End," said Jay, "I'm attempting to go both ways, solo, it's a bit daunting when you think about it."

Jay was lifted by the air ambulance in 1991, aged just 14, when he was knocked off his bike and rendered unconscious.

"I was cycling down the hill into St Mawgan," said Jay, "When the car door just opened.

"There was no way to avoid the car door and I was catapulted through the air, landing head first on the concrete."

The accident left Jay in a coma at Treliske Hospital.

"I have been told that if the air ambulance hadn't lifted me I wouldn't have made it, the time saved really did save my life."

Jay is setting off on his epic ride from the air ambulance base on Friday March 1 to ride solo to the farthest tip of the mainland, before returning to Cornwall.

"One of the hardest parts of the trip has been sorting accommodation for the journey.

"I will be sofa surfing for much of the trek, people are being very generous in offering up overnight accommodation, having said that, if anyone knows someone in John O'Groats or Inverness I can stay with it would be a massive help."

"I'm really hoping to be able to get back for the air ambulances 26th birthday celebrations at the beginning of April.

"My target is to raise £10,000 for the charity, without whom I wouldn't be here."

Jay has set up a Facebook page so that people can follow his progress, when people log on they can also donate and send Jay messages of encouragement through the http://www.endomondo.com/app.

"It's going to be pretty lonely at times on the ride." Said Jay.

"Just being able to hear messages on the move will spur me on no end."

Susie Smith, fundraising manager for the Cornwall Air Ambulance said; "I think Jay is really brave in setting himself this challenge and I urge everyone to please support him.

"His determination and commitment is evident and Jay has been out fundraising for months across the county, what's even more impressive is that he cycles to all of these events.

"As Jay said, the rapid response of the air ambulance is often the difference between life and death.

It's only thanks to donations and people like Jay that we are able to continue providing this much-needed service."

Anyone wanting to support Jay can Like his Facebook page by searching for Housie Quest 2000 miles where you will find information about the ride and also links to his donation page.

To find out more about how to support the Cornwall Air Ambulance visit www.timesaveslives.com