PUB manager John Reynolds is ready to take on a 375-kilometre bike ride in blistering heat to raise money in memory of his mum.

John, 55, who runs the Tower Inn in Tranent, is heading to Cuba for the Coast to Coast Challenge fundraiser in October.

He hopes to raise thousands of pounds for the British Lung Foundation in memory of mum Sheila, who lost her fight with lung disease in 2014.

John told the Courier: “I have done three previous charity treks for Maggie’s Centres taking me to the Sahara Desert, Peru and the Himalayan Mountain Trek, raising over £12,500 for Maggie’s.

“This time I am doing it in memory of my mum Sheila Reynolds.

“Mum was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which causes progressive scarring of the lungs, in 2011 and by the time she was diagnosed the disease had progressed and she was unable to receive medication to slow it down, so was provided with oxygen therapy instead.

“The disease progressed quite quickly and Christmas Day 2013 was the last day mum left her home.

“She was cared for at home by her family, with close friends, district nurses and Macmillan nurses supporting her as well.

“Her sister Maisie travelled back and forth from Banbury to spend time and help with caring duties.

“Since then, Maisie has also been diagnosed with the same illness.

“On April, 4, 2014, mum sadly passed away, succumbing to this horrible disease.

“I am cycling to raise money in her honour to help find a cure for this disease.”

The Cuba challenge takes place over six days in October and riders will spend six hours a day on their bicycles as they battle the heat and terrain.

John, of the town’s Gavin’s Lee, has a shirt for each day sponsored by a different local group or business for his adventure.

And he has a charity show in the Store Club in Tranent on Sunday, September 16, hosted by Radio Saltire’s Davie Martin from 1pm to 6pm.

Sponsors signed up for his daily cycling shirts are the Walk with Scott Foundation, Forever Kerry (Kerry Taylor), Ross High Rugby Club, Chris Miller Cleaning Services and Logan Roofing & Builders (Tam Logan).

John said: “I’m really grateful for all the support I have received from everyone and hope I can help to raise as much as possible to help this charity and fund vital research.”

To support Sheila’s Wheels Cycle by John, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/sheilaswheels cubacycle