by Jan Thom

Bikers Mike Morris and Paul Belt are on target to raise almost £30,000 for charity after visiting 140 prisons in England and Wales in just two weeks.

Inspired by the television programme, Long Way Round, featuring Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, the Reading prison officers look set to raise £27,000 for the Willow Foundation, a charity that offers memorable days out for seriously ill people aged, and also Cancer Research UK.

The pair arrived at Elmley Prison, Eastchurch, where they were greeted by fellow prison officers who were backing the intrepid duo on their 3,600-mile trip.

The marathon was originally planned as a cancer fundraiser by Mike and friend Gary Bennett.

The Willow Foundation became involved after Mike, 38, was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and had a special day provided by the charity.

Gary, 44, was involved in a crash that left him disabled in the same year and was also treated to a day’s racing at Silverstone by the Willow Foundation.

The life-changing events enjoyed by both men prompted the Long Stretch charity bike ride, with Paul taking the place of Gary, no longer able to ride long distances because of his disability.

The foundation has provided more than 4,600 days nationwide to people not only living with cancer, but other diseases such as cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy.