AN increasingly popular cycle challenge which started as a friendly challenge between friends a few years ago is set to raise £20,000 for a fund named after a local man and keen cyclist who died from a sudden heart attack.

Design agency boss Gary Cameron and friend Jerry Cooke set the wheels going on the cycle challenge back in 2012 as a way for some cycle obsessed mates to get together for a day out on their bikes.

Jokingly they gave the 'event’ the lofty title of Tour de Lauder, since they would be starting and finishing from Jerry’s house in Lauder.

To make the day as 'enjoyable’ as possible Jerry planned the most challenging routes he could think of – a gruelling 89 miles and a shorter option of 50 miles, both finishing over 'Col de Stow ' - a 15% plus final climb back into Lauder.

The date was set and a few emails were sent out inviting friends along. However, having arranged the day anyway, they decided they should put their physical efforts to good use and raise a few pounds in sponsorship for charity.

The Steve Cully Tribute Fund at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) was a fitting beneficiary - Steve was a Lauder resident and keen cyclist. So £250 was set as a target and Steve’s wife offered her best wishes and support.

Now in its third year, the cycling event has grown in stature each year – raising over £30,000 for the charity. But this year, thanks to an estimated 500 riders taking part, organisers hope to raise £20,000.

Race organiser Gary Cameron, Managing Director at Edinburgh-based design agency Marketing Concepts, who market the event and designed the event website (www.tourdelauder.co.uk), said: “This is a great challenge for a great cause, all the places were sold in just eight days but we’d still urge everyone to get involved , donating, or coming along on the day to cheer the cyclists on.” The Steve Cully Tribute Fund was set up by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland on his wife Rosie’s wishes, in memory of Steve. 100% of every entry fee and any sponsorship raised goes to the Steve Cully Tribute fund. Donations and fundraising page http://www.justgiving.com/TourdeLauder2014 Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland improves the quality of life for people in Scotland affected by chest, heart and stroke illness, through medical research, influencing public policy, advice and information and support in the community.

Every minute of every day 100,000 people in Scotland struggle to breathe because of chronic chest illness. Every 45 minutes someone in Scotland will have a heart attack. Every 45 minutes someone in Scotland will have a stroke.

The Tour de Lauder takes place this year on April 26, 2014.