Having spent the last five years completing charity treks for causes close to his heart, Mark Carter has set himself a new challenge and this time it’s on his bike.

Mr Carter, 49 from Worlingham, has signed up to take on eight cycle rides in the space of six months, including a 415-mile ride around East Anglia.

Mr Carter has already completed two of the rides - the 50-mile Southwold Cycle Sportive on April 8 and the 32-mile Big Bike Ride with Lowestoft charity Brainwave Independence Group on April 15.

Next up is the Beccles Cycle for Life on May 13, where his wife Marie will be joining him on the 50-mile route, and the Norwich Cycle Swarm on July 1 where he will ride 70 miles.

Mr Carter said: “I’ve gone from hiking to biking to give me a different challenge.

“It all started when Marie did the Women V Cancer ride overnight last year. I bought a bike to help her train and it has all gone from there.

“I’m looking forward to them all and raising money for four different charities.”

Mr Carter is supporting the East Anglian Air Ambulance, Brainwave Independence Group, Britannia Lodge RAOB and Beccles Caxton Football Club.

He completed his first trek in 2013 in memory of his mum, and other fundraisers have seen him take on a four-day hike of Hadrian’s Wall.

Mr Carter is organising his own local ride in June, with a date still to be set, and will then take on the Wiggle Suffolk Spinner from Otley College on July 28, with Mrs Carter again joining him for the 93-mile course. His biggest challenge will be the Adrian Flux Lap of Anglia from August 8 to August 11.

Mr Carter said: “It will be riding 100 miles a day for four days which will be hard. But I’ve been training three times a week to get ready for it.”

The final challenge will be an hour ride at the Olympic velodrome track in London in September.

Mr Carter has so far raised just over £500, and would like to reach the £1,000 mark. He thanked Michael’s Cycles in Beccles for helping with bike maintenance, and other local businesses who have sponsored him. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/markcarter69• Mr Carter is also looking for someone to complete the Adrian Flux challenge with him. Anyone interested can contact him through his Beccles Boys Charities Facebook page.