CYCLISTS are mounting a 250 mile marathon for Halton Haven Hospice.

The group of 10 friends from Widnes, Runcorn and Liverpool organise an annual ride for a charity and this year chose the cancer centre on Barnfield Avenue in Murdishaw.

The cyclists have raised £2,000 for Willowbrook Hospice and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in the past.

Cyclist Tony Walker said: “Through our riding we can give something back to a cause both myself and my family hold dear after we lost our mum five years ago. She was cared for by Halton Haven’s wonderful team."

The group will ride in memory of Barbara Vowles.

Riders set off on Friday, June 15 and their four day route will taken them from Liverpool to Llandudno, Anglesey and Snowdonia National park before returning to Chester for a well-earned train journey back to Liverpool.

The McColl on Derby Road, Widnes, has pledged their support and has collection tubs in the store and is raffling a hamper.

Faye O’Neill, a fundraiser at the hospice, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Tony and the rest of the cycle group for choosing to support Halton Haven through their annual ride this year.

"We are blown away by the effort the group has put into raising vital funds for the hospice. It’s an inspiring challenge and we wish them the very best for a safe and enjoyable trip."

The cyclists have already raised £300 from wellwishers.

To donate visit justgiving.com/tony-walker9.

To find out about the work of the hospice visit haltonhaven.org.uk.