A dad-of-two will undertake Britain’s longest journey in a punishing pedal for charity.

Rod Savage and his colleague Steve Emery will ride 1,400-miles from John O’Groats to Sittingbourne via Land’s End on August 17.

The pair, who work at Mid Kent Electrical Engineering on the Eurolink Estate, hope to complete their journey in 14 days.

Rod, 35, an electrical engineer, decided to get on his bike after the death of his mum, Lesley, in 2010.

He said: “Mum suffered from muscular dystrophy so when she died I thought I ought to do something to make a difference.

“Neither of us is a keen cyclist, so it could be very interesting. The only other challenge I’ve done before is the London to Brighton bike ride two years ago.

“It was 50-odd miles and quite easy going, although I think 1,400 miles might present more of challenge.”

Rod and Steve, 53, who is raising money for an epilepsy charity, have set a daily target of 135 miles a day to finish their journey on time.

The route has already been planned, with youth hostels providing overnight rest stops on the way, and practice wheels have been in motion since the start of the year.

Rod said: “I’m not known for being slender, but I’ve gone from 16 stone to nearly 15 stone since I’ve been out on the road preparing.

“I’m not a drinker, so I don’t have to consider giving up to get in shape, but I have got a sweet tooth and cutting out chocolates and sweets is going to be very hard.

“But if I can shed a few pounds, as well as raise a few pounds for charity, it’ll be a bonus.”

Rod has set a fundraising target of £2,500 and to greet him at the finish line will be his wife Tracy, 31, daughter Tegan, four, and nine-month-old son, Riley.

He said: “It’s going to be hard graft but come what may we will finish this ride in 14 days.”

To support the challenge, visit: www.justgiving.com/rodsavage or www.virginmoneygiving.com/stevenemery