Mark Porter and James Caldwell, who have known each other since they were 16, will ride the NC500, a 500-mile route along the northern coast of Scotland, in support of national homelessness charity Crisis.

Mr Porter is a business lecturer who also runs MP Lettings and Property Management, a Southampton-based online agency focused on providing high-quality rental accommodation.

The pair said: “The NC500 is an iconic route that sits on the bucket list of lots of cyclists.

“It’s rugged, beautiful and will be difficult.

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The pair are taking on the challenge in support of Crisis. (Image: Mark Porter)

“Plus, it gives us the chance to conquer the longest incline in the UK, so it will be lots of fun and incredibly rewarding.

“It makes sense therefore to use this as an opportunity to raise money for a very worthy cause.

“With the increasing costs of living, more people will be falling into homelessness while at the same time, the Crisis charity will be finding it more and more difficult to provide this support to everyone that needs it.

“So, we’re hoping to raise lots for them.”

Mr Porter said his professional experience has helped shape his understanding of the importance of stable housing, describing how quickly circumstances can change for individuals and families.

Mr Caldwell, an assistant headteacher at a specialist education school for young people aged 11 to 19, has seen first-hand how homelessness impacts children who have little control over their situations.

Mr Porter said these experiences led the pair to support Crisis, which helps people not only through immediate support but also by working toward long-term, independent living.

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He said the physical and mental demands of the NC500 make it a meaningful way to combine their professional insights, personal interests, and a cause they deeply care about.

Mr Porter lives in Hythe, and enjoys making use of the New Forest and the sea.

Mr Caldwell recently moved from London to Sheffield to be closer to the Peak District and Lake District.

To support their challenge, visit the pair’s JustGiving page.