One wit has already joked that he is sure “it’s all downhill” from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

But a St Albans couple are realistic that their cycling trek from one end of Great Britain to the other is going to be a test of endurance, hills and all, to raise funds for the Chilterns MS Centre.

Colin Roberts and Fiona Cressy are cycling about 1,000 miles for the Aylesbury-based centre which provides services and advice to people with multiple sclerosis (MS), their families and carers.

Fiona described the charity as a “godsend” and explained: “My father has been attending the centre for 20 years, and I have wanted to raise money for it for a while.

“Every bit of money raised is going to the centre – Colin and I are entirely self-funding our cycling trip.

“The boundless energy and positivity from the staff makes the centre a fun place to be and is a true lifeline to so many people.”

The charity provides a range of therapies and support for MS patients, and its main goal is to help patients gain greater control over their condition so they can lead happy and healthy lives.

It treats 260 patients each week.

So far Colin, a design and technology teacher at St Albans School, and Fiona, director of Physio St Albans, have raised about £2,000 for the centre.

Along with the multitude of donations there have been plenty of positive messages posted on Colin’s and Fiona’s online Justgiving fundraising page, with one well-wisher commenting, “Enjoy as I’m sure it’s all downhill!”

Fiona told the Herts Advertiser: “I wish it was!”

While the sporty couple would not describe themselves as cyclists Colin, 33, used to be a 110m hurdler while Fiona, 37, was formerly a middle distance runner until injuries put paid to their athletic pursuits.

Their charity ride begins on Wednesday July 30.

To donate go to www.justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/ColinFifiJOGLE2014. For more information on the MS centre, see www.chilternsmscentre.org