A group of cyclists set off from Land’s End today (Tuesday) on a cross-country bike ride in memory of two friends who died on a round-the-world trip.

Tim Roney, from Sarratt, and Karen Puddifoot, from Northwood, drowned when a boat they were aboard capsized in Halong Bay, off the coast of Vietnam in September 2009.

They were taking part in a worldwide cycle ride to raise money for the British Lung Foundation when their trip ended in tragedy.

Karen’s brother Chris, who died in a car crash in November 2009, had taken part in the European leg of their bike ride before the pair travelled to Asia.

Now Tim’s brother Simon, Karen and Chris’s father Michael, and Tim’s friends Daniel Greaves and Mark Pellowe will continue their fundraising by pedaling from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

They set off from Paddington station yesterday (Monday) and climbed onto their bikes for the first leg of their 12-day, 1,000 mile trip today.

The group has already reached their £12,000 fundraising target but donations are still welcome.

To make a donation, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/thejourneycontinues.