FOUR friends from Chester are preparing to embark on an eight-day, 800-mile bike ride where they will visit all 20 Premier League football stadiums in aid of two charities close to their hearts.

Sean Sweetman, Adam Stening, Russ Dean and Daniel Davies, who are all from Blacon, begin their epic challenge on Saturday, May 15 following a gruelling seven-month training programme.

Back in October last year, we reported how the lads were aiming to raise £5,000 to be split between the Stroke Association and the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).

So far they have amassed more than £1,200.

Chester FC fan Sean lost his dad Peter to a stroke in July last year, while Adam – who is an Everton supporter – has also lost his nan and auntie to strokes.

All four men are also keen to support CALM having seen close friends and their families affected by suicide. Every week 125 people in the UK take their own lives – 75% of which are male.

The group, who are being backed by three friends – Chris Young, Ian Tyrrell and Luke Owen – travelling in a support van, will start their journey from Newcastle United's St James' Park.

The last ground on their tour will be the Emirates Stadium – the home of Sean's dad's favourite football team, Arsenal.

Sean, 31, said: "My dad passed away in 2019 from a stroke so I have seen first hand how devastating they can be and how they can impact a family.

"For those lucky enough to survive a stroke, the support the Stroke Association gives to rebuild lives is amazing.

"CALM is leading a movement against suicide. I've had a close friend take their own life and again it's devastating for everybody from family to friends.

"We want to get the word out that it's OK to talk. I've had my own personal battles with depression and was one of the lucky ones who is still here to help others fight those demons."

Speaking about the challenge, he added: "I think we are prepared the best we can be. Training has been hard but the end goal will be worth its weight in gold.

"A lot of work has been done by everybody to get prizes together and set up the route – the three support lads have worked tirelessly too.

"It will be some achievement for all of us involved to get to the finish line."

A huge raffle has been organised by the lads with tickets drawn at each ground they go to.