A LEADING medical consultant has raised more than £14,000 for St Richard's Hospice by completing his sponsored cycle ride from Land's End to John O'Groats.

Professor Richard Lewis is a governor of the Worcester hospice and made the 1,000 mile trek in memory of his family friend, and much-loved local district nurse, Desi Green. She died of cancer last year.

The chest specialist hoped his regular commute of 125 miles by bicycle each week to work at the Royal Worcestershire Hospital, would ensure he was in shape for the marathon ride.

Prof Lewis said: "The trip covered a total of 1,013 miles during which I used four cycles, destroyed one, borrowed another and purchased a third.

"I also used a a fourth folding bike for the first two days to enable a train journey to be completed.

"I am most grateful to everyone for the generous support that I have received. I look forward to seeing just how much money for St Richard's Hospice will eventually be raised by this ride."

Prof Lewis arrived in John O'Groats on the 20th anniversary of his first day at Worcester Royal Infirmary. He has also been a Governor of St Richard's for the same length of time, and vice chairman for the past seven years.

"During that time, I have had the privilege of seeing the hospice grow from extremely humble beginnings to the current exciting stage where we will open our new £5.25m hospice in the autumn," he added.

"Although I have seen huge growth in the work of the hospice, the philosophy behind the care has remained the same. This is a total dedicated commitment to the patient and their families. Of course, with the new hospice comes a big increase in the funds needed to keep the hospice going on a day to day basis. I'm delighted so many people have helped me raised such a large sum to help the hospice in this way. "

Anyone who would like to sponsor Richard Lewis can visit the website www.justgiving.com/richard_lewis http://www.justgiving.com/richard_lewis or contact St Richard's Hospice on 01905 763963.