ENERGETIC students from York St John College abandoned sleep and embarked on a 24-hour sponsored bike ride - all in the name of charity.

Philip Distin, 22, and Martyn French, 21, took it in turns to cycle around a 30-mile relay circuit towards Stamford Bridge. The riders set off with their support team, at 6pm, on Friday, and returned 24 hours later to collect sponsorship money towards Cancer Research UK. The pair had previously raised £400 through fundraising in the Students' Union.

Philip, a physical education and psychology student, said: "My grandfather has recently passed away from cancer and it is an issue close to my heart. "Testicular cancer is a growing concern of young men and we wanted to help raise money for the research of cancer and raise awareness to people who may remain ignorant or frightened of seeking medical advice."

Updated: 10:27 Monday, June 02, 2003