A MAN who shared a deep bond with a soldier from Ferndown who died in Afghanistan in 2008 is set to embark on a charity challenge to help his name live on.

Dan Avey-Hebditch is setting off from the tip of southwest England on September 4 for the Land’s End to John O’Groats (LEJOG) challenge.

Dan is taking on the challenge to raise money for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF), set up by John’s family following his death.

John, who sadly died when he was just 22, was an officer in the Royal Marines and shared a deep bond with Dan which stemmed from their childhood.

Both Dan and John attended the same schools and engaged in RAF cadet activities, from parachuting and flying to leadership courses and the Duke of Edinburgh award, which shaped their paths into uniformed service and inspired Dan’s commitment to JTYAF.

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Dan’s ride extends the usual LEJOG route by over 200 miles and thousands of feet elevation gain to a total of over 1,040 miles and over 40,000 feet of climbing, across 40 counties, including a diversion to visit John’s unit- 40 Commando Royal Marines.

The significance of 40 is because John would have turned 40 this year.

LEJOG usually takes two weeks, but Dan is attempting to complete the trip in just six days and plans to ride 200 miles each day.

In comparison, celebrities and former elite athletes James Cracknell and Lewis Moody completed the standard route together in eight days.

Dan said he set himself the challenge to support the charity foundation John’s parents set up in his name, which provides bursaries and scholarships to young people needing financial support.

“To do his memory and the charity justice, I’m adding extra challenge to LEJOG,” he said.

“I’m riding down there, starting at Ferndown Upper School where he was a pupil and going via the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines at Lympstone, Devon, where he trained.

“On the LEJOG route itself I’m diverting to visit his former unit, 40 COMMANDO RM.

“John would have been 40 this year, so my total will be at least 1,040 miles and 40,000ft elevation and I’ll be getting to John O Groats in just six days, riding solo/unsupported.”

Dan has so far raised £1,012. To donate to his efforts, search Ultimate Lands End to John O Groats solo endurance cycle for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation or click here.