William Bailie, 75, and George Young, 77, both from Portavogie, will cycle 100 kilometres around the Ards peninsula on Saturday, May 16. The ride supports Cancer Research UK, with funds directed to ovarian cancer research.

Bailie works as caretaker at Portavogie Primary School. He started cycling the peninsula during the Covid lockdown. Young, a former fisherman, joined him last year on Sunday afternoons. Young's wife has ovarian cancer, diagnosed three years ago. Their daughter Nichola Mahood has trained with Young for the ride.

Bailie lost a sister to breast cancer. The men aim to support early detection efforts. Neither has cycled this distance before.

The ride starts at 7.30am from Portavogie Primary School, with tea, coffee and scones available. An afternoon event from 2.30pm offers tea, coffee and traybakes to welcome them back around 3.30pm. Bucket collections will occur at shops along the route.

A Vinted Live sale runs at the school from 11.30am to 2pm. It accepts donations of pre-loved clothes for cash-only sales benefiting Cancer Research UK. Tables can be booked by contacting Andrea Harper at 077 9975 4469.

Donations can be made on the day or via the men's Facebook page 'Two Auld Men Charity Cycle'.