A FARMER who set off on a two-week charity ride in memory of his brother has raised a staggering £40,000 for a leading cancer charity.

Dave Gooderham

A FARMER who set off on a two-week charity ride in memory of his brother has raised a staggering £40,000 for a leading cancer charity.

James Nott, and his best friend Roger Bedson , proved an unusual sight as they travelled at a top speed of 15mph on two open-top tractors while undertaking the route between John O'Groats and Lands End.

The pair decided embark on the 874 mile fundraiser in memory of Mr Nott's brother, Edward, who died of a brain tumour aged 24 six years ago.

Mr Nott, from Gestingthorpe, near Sudbury, said he was amazed by the level of generosity that people had shown throughout the trip.

“It has taken us by surprise and to raise £40,000 is unbelievable,” he said. “Throughout the trip, the support from people was incredible and even now the money keeps coming.”

All the money will be going to Cancer Research UK - a charity which is obviously important to Mr Nott and the rest of his family.

His proud mother, Brenda Nott, described the brothers as inseparable when they were boys adding: “It was wonderful that James did this for his brother,

“For James to honour him in this way is incredible and I can't thank people enough for the support they have shown.

“I would also like to pay tribute to James' wife, Debbie, who did so much behind the scenes.

“We never expected to raise so much money for such a fantastic charity but cancer is something close to many people's hearts.”