A DISABLED cycling club has raised £2,500 to fund a "dream" coast-to-coast bike ride for five of its members, and now wants to raise a further £3,500 to expand the work of the group.

Cycling 4 All, based at the University of Bradford Students' Union, is embarking on the 182 miles from Morecambe to Flamborough Head between June 3 and 7, and needed to raise the money to fund the specialised accommodation, transport, and equipment needed during the trip.

A flurry of donations has now ensured the ride can go-ahead, but the group wants to raise even more money to fund future projects.

Jess Waite, project assistant at Cycling 4 All, said: "The cyclists have been training since October, and are dedicated to completing the challenge.

"We are the first university to do this, and we are hoping to generate a lot of interest in the ride.

"It is much more expensive than it would be for non-disabled riders, as each one needs at least two people - a qualified lead rider and a support worker - to make the journey with them.

"It is the ultimate challenge for them, and we're delighted to be able to make their dream come true."

Two of the riders taking part will be aiming to complete the challenge using hand bikes, with others using a mixture of trikes and mountain bikes.

The team includes Bradford University students Ryan Milne and John Walton, who both have Asperger's Syndrome, alongside other club members, including wheelchair user George Herd, and graduate Daniel Ratcliffe.

Another member due to take part, Oliver Brimacombe, was forced to reluctantly drop out of the challenge after dislocating his shoulder last week.

"For the riders, this trip will be the summary of overcoming so many boundaries in the last two years on the project," said Miss Waite.

"It will be a lifetime achievement for this group of people, who have not been given opportunities in sport in the past.

"Their dedication to cycling in the last 12 months has been testament to their will-power and refusal to give in.

"They have really committed to their training, and prioritised this ride as a major goal in their lives."

Cycling 4 All started in 2011 as a free disability cycling scheme for students at the university, but has since expanded its services into the wider community, working in partnership with the Youth Service, British Cycling, and Bradford Disability Sport and Leisure.

Project coordinator, Adam Tasker, said: "Collectively, this group are aiming to raise £3,500, and a lot of publicity between them.

"The money raised will go towards keeping Cycling 4 All activities going, and to expand into new areas.

"This will be a challenging, yet rewarding, experience for all those involved."

For more information, visit cycling4all.org.uk, and to donate to the coast-to-coast trip, go to www.justgiving.com/C4AC2C.