Comedy fans to cycle from Cornwall to the Edinburgh Fringe

A couple, who are big comedy fans, are going to cycle from Cornwall to the Edinburgh Fringe, fundraising funds for charity in the process.

David and Carole Chapple are aiming to collect for the charity Mind, and are calling their challenge STEP4MIND (Saltash To Edinburgh Pedal for Mind).

The couple will be setting off on the 25th July for their 12 day, 700+ mile relay cycle to the Fringe. They explain: "One of us will cycle and the other will drive to the next changeover spot. Enough of a challenge in itself for two of us with a combined age of 112, but we wanted to make it more interesting so are going to attend a comedy gig each evening on the way where we will be handing out flyers to promote the challenge and collecting for Mind."

The Chapples have some form when it comes to linking comedy with personal challenges. In 2014 they broke the Guinness World Record for the most shows seen at the Fringe (full story), and last year they raised over £4200 by collecting at 70 Edinburgh Fringe Shows at 70 different venues in 7 days (blog).

Explaining why they are collecting for Mind, David explains: "Having suffered from personal anxiety and depression issues all of my life it would be no exaggeration to say that the love of comedy has saved my life. So what better way than by using this love to try and raise awareness and raise money for Mind. I am lucky to have a great support network of friends, others have no-one." David has written a blog about living with mental illness.

Those wishing to donate to Carole and David's STEP4MIND can do so via JustGiving.com

They say: "We set a £2000 target for this year and are now over halfway despite not actually starting the challenge yet. The number of promoters and others that have already helped out this year has been fantastic and very humbling."

The start of their long pedal is now imminent. They have been in training, but are still nervous about what lies ahead. "We are both terrified about the cycle. Though we have worked really hard at the training as far back as last October, it is a different beast to have to do it day after day. Especially after being out at a gig every night."

Speaking about their route, they explain: "The first three days are OK, but days 4-6 are very long for us. And we don't have much contingency if things go wrong!"

To see their schedule and find out more about their challenge, plus read updates once they've started their journey, and to donate, visit step4mind.com