Mark White will cycle 57 miles to Southampton, to thank a charity that supported him when he had major surgery for a kidney complaint.

Mr White, 25, of Kings Road, Easterton, had the operation two years ago, after suffering with problems with his kidney for some years.

He said: “It wasn’t life-threatening, but the surgery was quite serious and I was very ill.

“My kidney wasn’t draining, so toxins were building up and they needed to insert a drainage tube.

“As I lay in hospital, feeling miserable, my brother, Jamie, contacted the Saints Foundation, a charity which is supported by Southampton Football Club – although it is not part of the club – and they were brilliant.

“They arranged for the entire first team at Southampton FC, which I have supported since I was young, to sign a get well card to me.

“It was just what I needed to make me feel better. I told them that, as soon as I was fit enough, I would do something to raise money for them.”

Mr White plans to set out for Southampton on Monday, accompanied by his 22-year-old brother, Jamie, who works for Gaiger Brothers, and their friends, Luke and Craig Campbell of West Lavington.

They will be easy to spot as they cycle down to the south coast, as they will be sporting fluffy, red and white wigs and wearing one-piece Morph suits.

The Saints Foundation usually supports the families of terminally ill children and disadvantaged adults.

Anyone who wants to offer sponsorship to Mr White and his fellow riders can do so online at www.justgiving.com/ 50miles4Saints Mr White said: “We set ourselves a target of £600, but we’re nearly up to that now, so we just want to get in every penny we can get.”