East London dog and his owner embark on 700-mile bike ride to Berlin

An East London springer spaniel and his owner are set to embark on the adventure of a lifetime as they cycle from Tower Bridge to Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate.

Chris Lovitt, 39, a director for NHS East London and City in Whitechapel, will take on the 700-mile, seven-day challenge accompanied by man’s best friend – his dog Tigger.

The pair will make use of a specially adapted “Filibus” cargo bike with the lively seven-year-old dog having a special pet passport to get him through Holland and into Germany.

Accompanied by eight other riders from across the country, they will set off from Tower Bridge on Thursday before cycling through Tower Hamlets on a route to Harwich for an overnight ferry to Holland.

They hope to raise �20,000 for two charities, Cardiac Risk in the Young and Maternity Worldwide.

Mr Lovitt said: “Although Tigger does add a lot to the weight of the cargo bicycle, making climbing hills slow and hard work, he adds a lot of fun to the ride.”

To make a donation, visit justgiving.com/tigger-spaniel or tigger-spaniel1.