FRIENDS Katheryn Antonelli and Julie Forsyth will be embarking on an 80-mile cycling challenge to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

The pair took up cycling just a few months ago as a way of keeping fit but decided to take things one step further when a friend of Katheryn's was diagnosed with cancer.

They will be saddling up for the South Somerset Screamer Sportive next month, an 80-mile route starting and ending in South Petherton, going through the Somerset Levels, Cheddar Gorge and Glastonbury.

Katheryn, 39, said: "When a friend of mine was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer I just felt compelled to do something to help in some way, so I asked Julie if she would like to do some sort of sponsored event.

"Julie found this event and that was it.

"Neither of us have done anything remotely like this before, I did the Beacon to Beach run in 2009 but nothing like this!"

The women, who both live in Minehead, said they were anything but "serious" cyclists.

Although with an 80-mile challenge on the cards, the pair have upped their cycling regime to ensure they are fighting fit for the Screamer on November 9.

"We rode 36 miles last week, up to Wheddon Cross, Raleghs Cross and back down to Washford then home which was a bit of a reality check but we are hoping there won't be as many hills on the route as around here!" Katheryn said.

The exercise appears to be paying off in more ways than one as Julie, 35, no longer needs to have surgery for a back problem as cycling has eased the condition and the pain.

Friends and family have already pledged their support for the pair's fundraiser while James Guscott of Minehead firm Active Signs has become their official team sponsor.

Katheryn, who works at a local GPs' surgery and Julie who runs local business Tanks Direct, have set up two online accounts for people to sponsor them - http://www.justgiving.com/KatherynAntonelliJulieForsyth">www.justgiving.com/KatherynAntonelliJulieForsyth and http://www.justgiving.com/julie-forsyth1">www.justgiving.com/julie-forsyth1.

Sponsorship forms are also available in the waiting room of Harley House Surgery, in the office at Dunster First School and from Tanks Direct in Mart Road.