A BARRY scooter enthusiast will undertake a physically and mentally gruelling charity challenge when he embarks on an epic 24-hour two-wheeled journey, next month.

Distant Echo Scooter Club member Jason Ude has given himself less than 24 hours to complete his Lap of Wales Charity Scooter Run in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust on Saturday, September 5.

The 44-year-old will mount his Vespa scooter and kick-start his odyssey in Barry, early on in the morning before tearing the tarmac east towards Chepstow, north to Newtown, Chester, Bangor, Porthmadog, Corris, and Machynlleth.

He will then ride west to Aberystwyth, Fishguard and St David’s before heading along the South Wales Coast to Milford Haven, Saundersfoot, and Carmarthen before his return to Barry.

Jason has attended scooter rallies throughout the UK and Abroad in a leisurely capacity, but on this occasion the time pressure will be on with him hoping to complete the circuit within 14 hours.

The 521-mile circuit will see the former Romilly and Barry Comprehensive pupil ride through two cities and 13 towns in the one day.

Jason, who first got interested in scooters as an eight-year-old, said: “I ride thousands of miles every year, but I’m looking forward to doing such a long challenge in a short time.

“The difficulties will be the weather and it’s going to be tough mentally and physically.”

The Distant Echo Scooter Club, of which Jason is a member, was first established in 1981, but it folded in the late 80s.

In March this year Jason and Karl Hillberg resurrected the club and it now has 30 members who meet at the Glenbrook in at 7pm every Monday.

Jason said: “I chose the Teenage Cancer Trust as two of the members’ children have the illness and I want to help Karl and Jade as well as others.”

Jason added that he would like to thank all those who have, so far, sponsored the Lap of Wales – Liam O’Leary of the Glenbrook Inn public house, Coal City Cycles’ Thomas Driscoll, UFM Scooter Collective, Steve Foster and T Shirt Printing 4 U, and Dave and Barry Coslett.

Teenage Cancer Trust local fundraising coordinator Victoria Jones said: “I think he’s a little bit crazy, but we really appreciate the crazy idea. I hope he remains safe. His efforts will help us help teenagers and young adults in South Wales.”

Glenbrook Inn landlord Liam O’Leary added: “I think it’s a tremendous effort. The good thing about Jason and his club are that they are pro-active in helping charities.”

All monies raised will be presented to Teenage Cancer Trust local fundraising coordinator Victoria Jones at the West End Club, Barry, from 7pm on Saturday, September 12.

The night will also see a DJ event where money, from donations on the door, will go towards a fund established for the memorial bench at the Cardiff City FC Academy in loving memory of Barry teenagers Corey Price, Rhodri Miller, Alesha O’Connor and Merthyr grandmother Margaret Challis.

Teenage Cancer Trust donations can be taken to the Glenbrook Inn, Glenbrook Drive, Barry, or made via Lap of Wales or The Distant Echo Scooter Club on Facebook.

Alternatively donate via the Teenage Cancer Trust, mentioning the Lap of Wales, on www.teenagecancertrust.org