A Grove family hit twice by cancer is gearing up for a gruelling drive around the UK.

Taxi boss John Reeder died of cancer in March just two days before his 73rd birthday, and his grandson has also been diagnosed with the disease.

Now the late Mr Reeder's son, Phil, who continues to run the Grove Cabs business, is teaming up with other members of the family in a bid to drive the 3,500 miles around the coasts of the country in less than five days. They hope their long hours at the wheel of an Octavia, supplied by Skoda dealers Jewsons, will net them up to £5,000 for the charity Cancer Research UK.

Mr Reeder, 51, of Bosleys Orchard, Grove, donated a kidney to his eldest son, Paul, eight years ago after he was medically discharged from the 11th Signals Regiment.

Phil Reeder, runs the taxi business with his youngest brother, Michael, 41. Michael, 41. Michael, left, and Phil are pictured preparing for their coastal challenge.

They are being joined on the marathon mission by another brother, Terry, 46, who works at the BMW plant at Cowley, Oxford, and Phil's youngest son, Daniel, 20.

They are intending to set off in August. More information is on the Internet at www.justgiving.com/grove cabs