A CHERRIES fan and keen cyclist has challenged his team’s midfielders to a “war of miles” in a bid to raise money for charity.

AFC Bournemouth’s Andrew Surman, Dan Gosling, Matt Ritchie and Eunan O’Kane collectively covered 112 miles during their four league matches in March.

This has prompted supporter Gary Trudgett, who is representing the club in Prostate Cancer UK’s 145-mile London to Amsterdam bike ride, to try and out-do the midfield four in April.

Mr Trudgett clocked up 129 miles during training in March, and with the Cherries playing five games during April, it looks set to be a close contest.

“It’s a daunting challenge but one I am really looking forward to,” said Mr Trudgett.

“Especially as the lads in the midfield are topping the league tables in terms of running stats and distance covered at the moment.

"Fitness is such a key factor in the AFC Bournemouth team.

“That said, hopefully there will be a few games that the boys are winning comfortably and Eddie [Howe] can give them a rest for the final 10 or 15 minutes. Maybe that’ll give me a chance to win.”

Mr Trudgett will take on Prostate Cancer UK’s ride from London to Amsterdam on June 3 alongside England legend Terry Butcher, former Cherries striker Luther Blissett and more than 500 other supporters from across the country.

The aim of the annual cycle is to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK and promote the charity’s awareness movement, Men United.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among males and stats show that one in eight men will suffer with the disease in their lifetime.

Anybody wishing to donate to Prostate Cancer UK and sponsor Mr Trudgett should visit www.justgiving.com/Gary-Trudgett.