Chester's Toby Boram is spending 10 days in August cycling an amazing 1,000-mile journey – and all for the dogs he describes as gentle and affectionate.

Toby, 51, volunteers with the North West branch of Greyhound Rescue West of England (GRWE) and chose the Lands End to John o’Groats challenge, to spotlight dogs rescued by the charity.

“This really is about the hounds, not me,” said Toby, who has been training for the event since 2013. “I was just looking for a way to draw attention to GRWE; to raise awareness of what fabulous pets our rescued dogs become.”

Toby and his entourage, including canines Rowan, Jack and Daylah, set off from Land’s End on Tuesday and is due to arrive at the north eastern tip of Scotland after about 70 hours of pedalling.

Toby added: “(I will arrive) most probably with a variety of aches and sores.

“But it will be more than worth it; GRWE dogs invariably become wonderful pets. We have one of the lowest return rates of all dog rescues.

“Our charity is run by people who are expert at matching dogs to new homes, and then at helping new homes through post-homing support.”

While others have cycled the country-long route before, the charity released a statement where it describes Toby, a teacher at Ellesmere Port’s Archers Brook School, as ‘quite an (extra) ordinary man’.

He said: “The whole project was inspired by my partner Karen. We were talking about how we could promote the charity, and the ‘Lejog’ (Lands End to John o’ Groats) project evolved from that intention.”

Karen and co-volunteer Lisa Webb will travel in Toby’s official support vehicle, to ensure smooth running, and to provide moral and practical support.

“There will be a number of events organised by GRWE along the way,” Mr Boram explained. “I am especially looking forward to cycling through Cheshire en route to Scotland.”

Toby’s passage into the county will be celebrated at the charity’s Summer Fair, which has been moved to synchronise with his journey through home territory, on Saturday.

The event, at Frodsham Community Centre, will be a great opportunity for friends and family to offer moral support, but organisers say they would also welcome cyclists who may wish to ride through the town with intrepid Toby.

“This is going to be a very special summer holiday,” added Mr Boram, who admitted to being especially excited by the journey ahead.

For details of Toby’s challenge, including route information, search for ‘tobysgrwelejog’ on Facebook or at Wordpress blog pages.

To sponsor Toby visit his fundraising page.