An artist and his friend will be cycling 330 miles to Land’s End surviving with Jelly Babies and lots of other energy-giving sweets.

It is all in aid of the Stacey’s Smiles charity which supports children with neuroblastoma cancer – the disease from which Stacey Mowle, of Trafalgar Road, Gravesend, died aged nine.

The charity aims to bring a smile to these children’s faces by providing them with special treats and visits.

Jay Pritchard, 37, of Riverview Park, Gravesend, who has completed 160 portraits of famous people, will be cycling with his friend Dennis Woodgate, 38, of High Street, Northfleet, on June 25.

The two chums since school days, leave on June 25 from Tri the Bike shop in Windmill Street, Gravesend. The business will be supplying the pair with spare parts, including a full service before setting off.

Jay said: “We’ve set ourselves a target of £1,000 and were halfway there already.

“I did a portrait of David Bowie and I was asked by the family if I could donate it to the charity – it fetched nearly £140 on eBay.

“It’s certainly the longest ride I’ve ever made. We just hope it makes the lives of these children a little bit better.

“I’ll have a sat nav tracking the journey so people will be able to follow our progress on Facebook live by calling up ‘J Pritchard Portraits’.

The charity’s founders are Stacey’s parents Samantha and Warren who on its website say: “We found that when Stacey was smiling, laughing, joking and in high spirits, her body accepted harsh treatments better.

“We hope the charity can continue to help other children and families affected by neuroblastoma cancer.”

To donate: justgiving.com/staceys-smiles.