AN AMBITIOUS cyclist will take on a 55-miles-for-55-days challenge to raise money for Parkinsons UK.

Curtis Fields, 55, from Oakdale, will cycle for 55 consecutive days between Tuesday March 1 until Sunday April 24.

Mr Fields is a member of The Kingfishers Cycling Club, who have cycled between 30 to 50 miles a week “come rain or shine” for the last twenty years.

After two of the Kingfishers were diagnosed with Parkinsons, Mr Fields said he “wanted to do something to show that the effects of the disease are never ending”.

He said: “To see how this incurable condition diminishes your life slowly over time is just heart-breaking.

"It affects movement even when a person is sitting still or trying to sleep at night and doesn't take a break.

"So for 55 days, neither will I.”

In total, the Oakdale cyclist will travel 3,025 miles, following the same route each day that will take him through 19 locations including Oakdale, Pontypool, Usk and Newport.

He aims to raise £5,500 for the charity during his '55 for 55’ challenge and finish date will coincide with the final day of Parkinson’s Awareness Week, which runs from Monday April 18.

Ms Bethan Palfrey, Wales fundraiser for Parkinsons said: “I would like to thank Curtis for coming up with this imaginative and exciting way to fundraise for us.

“As the leading Parkinson’s research and support charity, our work is dependent on fundraisers like Curtis, so I hope his challenge inspires others to get involved too.”

Mr Fields added: “I’m really excited about the challenge and it will be intense but I’m hoping that after a few days I’ll find my rhythm.

"I want to raise funds as well as thanking the Kingfishers for welcoming me into their cycling group.”

To sponsor Mr Fields visit: www.justgiving.com/55for55/