Piers Thurston is cycling the length of the country in memory of his brother Adam who died of a brain tumour.

Averaging 85 miles per day, Piers is taking on the mammoth ride to raise money for charities which include the Friends of Lydney Hospital.

He came through Lydney on Tuesday the day of the fifth anniversary of Adam's death, a quick stop-off on a John O'Groats to Land's End journey of around 1,100 miles over 13 days.

Adam, a non-executive director of the Watts Group in Lydney and the nephew of Melville Watts, died aged just 33.

"Piers wanted to do something Adam would have done," said their father John Thurston.

"The exception was Adam would have taken a train or a taxi.

"Adam was very popular and had friends all over the world."

The Friends of Adam Thurston was set up following his death to raise money for good causes.

Piers' trip is the latest fundraising venture which was almost derailed before it had begun.

"His bike was stolen in London when he was in training," said John. "Melville offered to lend him his penny farthing bike but I think he managed to get a new bike through the insurance."

Anyone wishing to contribute can do so through http://www.adamthurston.co.uk/ donate-home.htm and you can follow his travels at www.twitter.com/jpierst.