DAREDEVIL skaters are attempting to make history by becoming the first people to travel from Land's End to John O'Groats on a 30mph electric board.

Greenock man Ewan Taylor, 42, and friend Liam Martyn, 52, who is from Glasgow, will today set out on the epic 874-mile journey between the two furthest points of mainland Britain to help raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

While many have completed the challenge over the years, the pair are believed to be the first to attempt it on electric skateboards - powerful machines that can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.

Their 'end-to-end' endurance test could take anywhere up to a fortnight to complete, depending on the weather, with the guys spending around eight hours a day on their feet.

Ewan, who lives in the east end, is inspired by mum Joan Taylor, 77, who is battling incurable blood cancer, myeloma, having only been given days to live, while Liam's mother also had a form of the disease and is now in remission.

All sponsorship money will be donated to Macmillan.

Ewan said: "A couple of weeks ago my mum was only given a couple of days to live but she's fighting on.

"She's back home in her hospital bed and they can't do any more for her but she's quite happy for me to jump off and do this.

"I'll Facetime her every night.

"We're the first ones in the UK to do it, nobody else has attempted it.

"Liam has actually contacted Guinness World Records about it and they've said we're the first to try it and enquire about it.

"It would be cool if we complete it."

The pair have been overwhelmed by kind donations of equipment from the likes of electric skateboard company Evolve UK and helmet manufacturers Ruroc as well as offers of support, including accommodation, during their journey.

They are also over half-way towards their £750 fundraising total.

Ewan said: "We thought that was a lot to ask for but the generosity has been amazing.

"The support has been unbelievable.

"It's going to be interesting.

"It will be painful on the legs because we'll be standing on these boards for eight hours a day.

"The weather will also be a big challenge.

"But we're really looking forward to it."

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/liam-martyn