TWO teenage friends have set off on a marathon bike ride to raise cash to fund research into Rett's syndrome.

Matthew Benning's six-year-old sister, Victoria, suffers from the genetic condition, which causes neurological problems, limiting speech and mental development.

He and school friend Steven Charlesworth are spending 17 days pedalling from Lands End to John O' Groats. The 16-year-olds plan to cover between 50 to 90 miles a day on bikes they bought especially for the challenge.

"The money we raise will go towards research to get a better understanding of Rett's and whether it can be detected before birth," said Matthew, of Thornborough, who attends St Aidan's High School, Harrogate.

Steve, who lives in Masham and also attends St Aidan's, added: "We will take our time during the ride because we don't want to get too tired cycling day after day.''