A BIKE ride through stunning scenery in memory of a cycling fan will raise money for the future of Kemp Hospice - which helped her through her final months.

Elaine Carter died in October aged 52 from liver cancer and now her husband David has organised the trip in Wales on April 13.

Already 20 family and friends of the popular Bewdley resident have signed up for the 25-mile round trip from Dolgellau to Barmouth and back and Mr Carter hopes it will bring in at least £500.

At Mrs Carter's funeral mourners were asked to give donations to the hospice and raised £1,500.

Kemp Hospice is appealing for hundreds of thousands of pounds to help create a bigger and better facility in Mason Road, Kidderminster, for people suffering from cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Last week it won outline planning permission for nine homes on its present Sutton Park Road site and now hopes to sell the land to a developer for up to £700,000.

Mr Carter, 53, of Bewdley's Lodge Close, said his wife visited the hospice around three times a week over five months and found the experience invaluable.

"She found talking to other people in the same situation helpful, relaxing and de- stressing."

He added: "And they sent in day sitters when I went out to work - I'm self-employed."

And Macmillan nurses - funded by the hospice - along with equipment such as a wheelchair and an automatic painkiller dispenser enabled her to spend her last days at home.

Mr Carter, who is arranging the trip with neighbour Malcolm Plant, added: "We thought we'd try and organise something and we came up with the idea of a charity cycle ride."

He continued: "It's apparently classed as one of the most scenic cycle rides in Europe with mountains all around. It's beautiful.

"And it's easy for people to do - people can take families and children along."

Both Mr Carter and Mr Plant will be taking their grandchildren on the jaunt.

Riders can just cycle one of the legs and vehicles to transport people and their bikes from Kidderminster to the start will be available.

Mr Plant, 56, said: "Elaine was a good friend. If we can raise a few bob, what better a way to do it than this? She was a keen cyclist."

He added: "This is a small way to repay Kemp Hospice's kindness."

For further information contact Mr Carter on 01299 402853.