A MAN from Northlew is getting on his bike for the first time in 30 years — to take on the huge challenge of Land's End to John O'Groats. Marcus Barrett — better known as Bugs — is estimating the distance of just under 1,000 miles should take him about two weeks at the beginning of August. He is collecting money for two charities, Exeter Leukaemia Fund and the British Heart Foundation. Bugs said: 'Both friends and family have good cause to be grateful for the work done by these two charities and it has been a lifelong ambition to test my strength and stamina in a challenge such as this. 'I hope to benefit the charities and prove something to myself in this way.' Bugs will be accompanied by Chris Cork, another Northlew resident who is using the exercise for training purposes as he is due to enter next year's Dakar Rally, the world's toughest motorcycle challenge. If you would like to support the fundraising effort of Bugs and Chris, visit http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/BugsBarrett">www.virginmoneygiving.com/BugsBarrett