DEDICATED supporters of St Richard’s Hospice in Worcester are right now taking part in a fundraising London-Paris bike ride.

Brothers Paul and Philip Thomas are undertaking the challenge in aid of their mother, Pat Thomas, who lived in Malvern before her death of cancer of the oesophagus at the age of 74.

The brothers will be joined in their endeavour by Juliet Thomas, Pat’s daughter in law, and Oliver Thomas, Pat’s grandson.

Paul Thomas, who lives in Hertfordshire, said: “The care and quality of service that our mother and our family received was nothing short of outstanding.

"They gave our mum a dignified and as comfortable as possible end to her life. We owe so much to the hospice as it helped us immeasurably to watch our mum pass away.

"We found that St Richard’s always put the patients’ needs and welfare at the forefront of everything they do. They even allowed Mum’s two dogs to visit her, which really meant a lot to her.”

The team has almost reached their £3,000 fundraising target. Philip Thomas, who lives in Bath, said: “We wanted to find a challenge that would be demanding, and stretching, and that we could do as a family.

"As novices to cycling we felt that the London to Paris cycle challenge was an ideal opportunity embodying many of the values that we experienced with St Richard’s Hospice of togetherness and unity and would enable us to give something back to the hospice that gave us so much.”

Jodi Brandwood of the hospice said, “We are very grateful to the Thomas family for taking on such an exciting challenge to support hospice care. It’s sure to be a memorable experience and a wonderful way of pulling together to challenge themselves for a cause so close to their hearts. We wish them bon voyage!”

The four-day cycle event started on Wednesday and they are expected to reach the French capital tomorrow (Saturday).

To donate to Team Thomas, justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-thomas79.