ONE of WGC’s nuttiest residents has set himself a new challenge for charity.

In September, Nigel Parker will be a 79- mile cycle ride from Winchester to Twickenham, in support of the Lexus Great British Bike Ride.

The event raises money for soldiers’ charity Help For Heroes, the Rugby Players Association Benevolent Fund and the Rugby Football Union Injured Players Foundation, and usually sets out from Land’s End, lasting four days.

Among several star names taking part this year are former England and Saracens legends Richard Hill and Jason Leonard.

But Nigel, known affectionately as “Nutty” might be turning more heads than his famous counterparts – he’ll be riding a traditional ice cream seller’s bicycle, selling ice cream along the way, replete in white vendor’s jacket, straw boater hat and comedy Italian moustache.

With typical irreverence, Nigel, who made headlines earlier this year by standing as an independent candidate at the General Election, explained his reasons for his bizarre journey.

“It came to me in a vision,” he said.

His original pland had been to set off from Cornwall, but he soon realised that the weight of his vehicle would make that impossible.

“I realised that if I set off now, I might actually arrive at Twickenham by 2025,” Nigel said. “Riding it is like trying to push a car up a hill.”

Instead, he will set off at the third stage of the journey from Winchester rugby ground – and it will still take him two-and-a-half days.

“It’s still going to be a hell of a struggle,” said Nigel, from Pippens. “I’m setting off a day before everybody else. 79 miles is a long way.”

You can sponsor Nigel by clicking on the link above.