Claire Rubery, 27, and her friend Gary Wilkinson, 42, both of Castleford, will get on their bikes and pedal around 1,000 miles to raise cash in memory of her grandad Keith Rotherforthwho died at the Halfpenny Lane care centre last October, aged 74, after a battle with cancer.

Claire said: “In the last weeks of his illness he was cared for by the hospice, and I was deeply touched by the important work the hospice did, not only in providing full-time care for my grandad, but also in the support they gave to me and the rest of my family.

“When we learned about the high running costs of each hospice, and that more than two-thirds of the hospice’s funding comes from donations, we were determined to do our bit to help.”

The pair will camp out and stay in hostels on the gruelling journey – which they hope to complete in around 16 days from June 9.

Claire said: “This will be the first time either of us have ever undertaken a journey like this, and it will be a huge challenge for the two of us, testing our stamina and mental strength to the limits.”

Gary added: “It takes a special kind of person to do what the hospice staff do and we both admire their efforts. Our goal is to raise as much money as possible to help with the running costs of such a wonderful place.

“We need the support of local people and businesses and are planning collections and events in and around Pontefract, so please help us to achieve our goal and make this venture a success.”

Claire and Gary will be holding a fundraising night at The Lion pub on Aire Street, Castleford, featuring bands and a raffle to raise funds for the hospice, tonight from 6.30pm.

To sponsor Claire and Gary, visit www.justgiving.com/claireruberyandgarywilkinson.