A PAIR of cyclists are about to brave the heatwave and jump on their bikes to pedal for funds for children with life-limiting illnesses.

Despite the expected scorching temperatures, Paul Handy and Jackie Bunn plan to rack up 84 miles and £500 for Acorns Children's Hospice during the gruelling journey through the Three Counties this weekend.

With two children apiece, the pair and their respective husband and wife have been friends for six years, with the Handys picking the Bunns to be godparents to their baby son, Lewis.

Taking their marks at Worcester Cathedral on Saturday, they plan to head off towards Hereford before finishing up in Gloucester.

"I was supposed to be doing a ride for Acorns in September but there was not enough interest," said 36-year-old Mrs Bunn.

"Paul said it was a shame the training would go to waste and agreed to do this with me instead."

Mrs Bunn, a catering manager at Hanley Castle High School, who lives in Clifton, Kempsey, and Mr Handy, an employee at Royal Mail's distribution depot in Blackpole, from St Peter's, have been cycling 10 miles every night to get up to speed with the challenge.

The money raised will go towards Acorns Three Counties Appeal to build a £4m hospice for children and their families in Bath Road.