A FORMER Worcester Warriors player is taking on a two-day cycling challenge to raise money for a charity supporting rugby players.

Jake Abbott, who is now working as a development manager at The Rugby Players Association, is riding for 48 hours to raise money for Restart Rugby.

Restart is the official charity of the association, providing financial, practical and emotional support to rugby players forced to retire through illness or injury.

The ride is also inspired by his dad Rodney, who is battling cancer.

32 year-old Mr Abbott said: “My dad, Rodney, is my hero and my idol. He has taught me that, from everything that has happened in his life, you can overcome anything.

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“We’ve recently found out that my Dad is extremely unwell, and he now faces his next challenge in life but, this is not his biggest.

“We lost our sister to cancer at the age of 7, he lost his brother in the same year and endured multiple business setbacks throughout his brilliant career, only to stand tall, get up, put his suit and tie on and provide for our family.”

For the challenge, Mr Abbott, who retired from playing in 2014 will spend 48 hours on an exercise bike this weekend , attempting to ride the distance of Land’s End to John O’Groats.

The ride will be live-streamed on YouTube and will also be done to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Mr Abbott added: “The first charity I’ve chosen to support is Restart, (info below), and specifically to support the work they do to help the mental wellbeing and health of professional rugby players.

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“We all struggle, and sportsmen are no different. Secondly, I am fundraising for the very well-known Cancer Research UK to support care for people like Rodders.

“Please get behind me and give me the strength to endure this ultra-event, which I know I can get it done with your support and with my Dad by my side.

“This is for you Dad, and this is for the men who have overcome mountains in their life, just like you and just like me.”

For more information and to donate, head to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ridingforrodney