PEOPLE in South East Cornwall are being encouraged to look out for E.T. today (Thursday) as a young man nears the end of a 600 mile charity bike ride.

Josh Garman will be heading from Plymouth through Saltash, Landrake, Menheniot, Liskeard, Dobwalls and Bodmin, and is set to arrive in Land’s End on Saturday (Oct 4).

He’s cycling for Hope for Hasti, an appeal to raise funds for gene therapy for children suffering from Cornelia de Lange syndrome. The appeal is named after an eight-year-old girl, Hasti, who suffers from this rare congenital condition. Hasti’s father Chris Brannigan came through Cornwall in July as part of a 700 mile walk for the charity, and for his daughter.

Inspired by Chris’ story, Josh, 21, decided to set out from his home in Surrey to support the cause.

Josh is travellling solo, sleeping in a one-man tent he’s been pitching up each night along the way. But with E.T. In the basket of his bike, Josh is hoping to create a little magic for those he meets, and he is stopping off everywhere to chat to local people about the appeal.

His dad Jon said: “Josh is cycling alone and unsupported and sleeping in a one-man tent as he goes, trying to keep the costs down.  It is a hard physical challenge for him but he is determined to complete it.”

To find out more about Josh’s journey look out for @expeditionjosh on Instagram, Cycling Across England with E.T. on Facebook, or visit the Just Giving Page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/etbikeride