Fundraisers cycle Land’s End to John o’ Groat’s for St Joseph’s Hospice

Three cyclists have put the wheels in motion to raise �2,500 for St Joseph’s Hospice – by riding more than a thousand miles.

Patrick Groves, originally of King’s Crescent, Brownswood, will be joined by friends John Ebdon and Hamilton Wolfe as he cycles the length of Great Britain from Land’s End to John o’ Groat’s.

Patrick’s mother Catherine spent her last years being cared for by St Joseph’s, Mare Street. “They work tirelessly and they were nothing short of brilliant,” he said. “It’s a very nice atmosphere. They made it a happy time for her.

“I really wanted to do something in memory of my mum that I would remember for the rest of my life.”

Training for the 100-mile-a-day trip has not been easy. In November, Patrick twisted his knee and ended up having keyhole surgery. “It’s going to be tough but I know if I feel bad at any point I can think: I’m doing this for my mum and St Joseph’s,” said the 47-year-old, who now lives in Loughton, Epping Forest. “That will give me the extra boost I need.

“To be honest, the hardest thing will be trying to keep out of the pub in the evenings so we can set off early each morning.”