A HAIRDRESSER is putting his scissors to one side to embark on a cycle ride from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise money to help his godson.

Keen cyclist Keith Millard, who runs the Lawrence Anthony salon, in Banbury Road, Summertown, Oxford, is hoping to raise £12,000 to buy a muscle relaxant pump for his godson Connor Rose, who has cerebral palsy.

Mr Millard, 29, said: "Connor is a happy-go-lucky little boy with a wicked sense of humour and has suffered from cerebral palsy his entire life.

"His muscles are constantly in spasm and despite regular physiotherapy, reflexology and chiropractic treatment, Connor is finding it harder and harder to control his muscles. His condition will only get worse.

"But the operation could change all this.

"It would involve having a pump inserted under his skin which would release a muscle-relaxant directly to his arms and legs.

"Connor has already been tested for this type of treatment and reacted to it well. "

Mr Millard, from Little Bourton, near Banbury, said Connor would face a long wait for the pump on the NHS.

He added: "I have always wanted to make the trip from Lands' End to John O'Groats and now Connor has provided me with the drive and motivation I needed.

"The operation will make Connor much more comfortable, so the sooner he has it the better."

Mr Millard is optimistic he can complete the ride and is training hard.

He aims to cycle the 27 miles to and from his work in Oxford at least twice each week in addition to a 70 mile cycle ride every Sunday.

Mr Millard will travel with a group from Bike Adventures due and will set off on Saturday, June 9. The challenge will involve 15 days cycling, covering an average of 70 miles a day.

To make a donation or for more information, visit www.cycleforconnor.zoomshare.com