Paul's gruelling ride for hospice

The father-of-two aims to complete the gruelling challenge in no more than five days, averaging 170 miles per day.

Paul said he had chosen Ashgate in memory of a friend who had spent his last days there.

“Everybody knows someone affected by cancer and if it goes the wrong way then chances are they will end up at Ashgate.

“I have seen the work they do there and wanted to make their efforts known. This will be hard going but the hardest part will be staying motivated on my own.”

Paul sets out on his challenge on Monday. To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/crooksey.