A SET of hardy young men will be tackling two major endurance challenges this weekend in memory of a popular young man who died in a tragic accident last year.

For one of the challenges, Joe Barker and Oliver Twigger, will be cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats in memory of their friend Freddie Pring.

Freddie Pring died following an accident resulting in a a severe head injury after he fell from a balcony in Magaluf in June 2019.

Keen rugby player Freddie was just 20 years old when he died on the holiday he had won after excelling in his job.

Joe and Oliver will cover a total of 900 miles in 10 days, cycling between 73 and 104 miles each day. They had originally planned to take on the feat in March but had to delay due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile this Saturday friends Bobby John, Aidan Kerr and Callum Oswick will be running 90km in one day, also in support of the Freddie Pring Memorial Fund.

Bobby was inspired by other fundraising challenges and wanted to support his friends who were affected by Freddie’s death.

Aidan decided to support Bobby as he knew Freddie as a friend while at Richard Huish College and on the rugby pitch.

The trio will be setting off from Richard Huish College and are hoping to arrive at the finish at Minehead Rugby Club at around 5pm, with supporters welcome to cheer them on.

Aidan said: “Having seen how many people got behind the 9km challenge last month and seeing how many of his close friends were affected by Freddie’s passing, Bobby decided to set himself the challenge of covering 90km in just one day for the fund.

"I always knew Freddie as a massively well-respected lad, with a fantastic sense of humour and welcoming personality and a very talented rugby player.

"Callum didn’t personally know Freddie but says the amount of support for the fund speaks volumes about his character and like Rob and I, Callum wants to honour Freddie's legacy by raising funds that will have such a positive impact on people throughout West Somerset through providing sport, which plays such a big part in all of our lives.

"Under no circumstances will this be easy, and it will be the hardest physical challenge we’ve ever faced, but if we set a sensible and maintainable pace, prepare efficiently and receive support along the route, anything is possible.

"The thought of raising as much money as possible for such a fantastic cause will pull us through. "Whether we run, walk or are carried over the line, we will finish it and honour Freddie’s hard-working nature.

For more about the challenges visit the Freddie Pring Memorial Fund Facebook page.