A WORCESTER man has cycled almost 500km to Kleve, Germany, in support of St Richard’s Hospice.

Lyndon Bracewell, of Spetchley, took on the four-and-a-half day challenge in memory of his mother and has raised £2,500 for the care charity.

He was greeted by the Mayor of Kleve on arrival in the German town, which is twinned with Worcester, as well as by members of the twinning committees.

The long-distance cyclist, who pedalled the entire journey except for a ferry trip from Harwich, Essex, to the Hook of Holland, said: "It was a very challenging ride but a great way to see the countryside.

"St Richard’s Hospice is a really good cause and several on the twinning visit have already said how impressed they have been with the care offered by the charity for their family or friends.

"Twinning is also a brilliant way to meet people and get to know another community."

Artwork depicting snowdrops, which was created by a St Richard’s Hospice patient, was presented to the German hosts by Mr Bracewell and will displayed in a hospice in Kleve.

Jodi Brandwood, a community fundraiser at St Richard’s Hospice, said: “We are really grateful to Lyndon for cycling from Worcester to Kleve in support of St Richard’s Hospice.

“The added gesture of presenting the wall hanging made by our day hospice patients to Kleve’s local hospice made this trip extra special.

“We’d like to thank him for his hard work and his supporters for their generosity.”