MORE than 150 keen cyclists peddled their way across the county in the first ever St Richard's Hospice Bikeathon.

The event was hailed as a big success by the organisers, who started the cyclists off on a choice of circular 15, 30 or 45-mile routes.

Starting from the hospice at Wildwood Drive, Worcester, cyclists headed into the beautiful south Worcestershire countryside towards Defford, Ashton-under-Hill and Pershore.

Kevin Jones, his partner Sara Nicholls and best mate Nick Weston took on the 45-mile challenge in memory of Graham Jones, who had recently been cared for by the staff at St Richard's Hospice.

"My dad was only in the hospice for a couple of days before he died. We are so grateful for the care he received that we wanted to do something to help raise funds," said Kevin, who was born in Worcester and now lives in Reading. It was the first time we had been on bikes for years. We ache now but it was worth it and we had a great day."

In all, 12 members of the Jones family came from across the country to take part in the bikeathon event.

Graham's family hopes to have raised more than £1,800 for the hospice from their efforts.

Community fund-raiser Alison Weston said: "It was a very enjoyable day with lovely weather and a great atmosphere.

"We would like to thank everyone who took part and who helped to raise the much-needed funds towards the hospice care for our patients and their families," she said.

Alison also thanked the 25 marshals and helpers, including those from the Malvern Sea Cadets and Worcester Severn Rotary Club, and Worcestershire County Council for its support. St Richard's moved into its £5.25 million hospice at Wildwood Drive, Worcester at the end of last year. Fund-raisers are now hard at work generating the £3.2 million which needs to be raised this year to provide the continuing specialist care and support for patients with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and their families.