Land's End to John O' Groats bike ride supports Thorpe Hall Hospice and Dying Matters in Rutland

Two friends put themselves through a gruelling cycle challenge to help people at the end of their lives.

Hilary Fox and Annie Pitts journeyed 996 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats - one in aid of Dying Matters in Rutland and the other for Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough.

Hilary, who was clinical director for Rutland Health Primary Care and a GP in Uppingham, said: “Cycling from Land’s End to John O’ Groats has been an ambition of mine for years, but it has been wonderful to be able to combine this with fundraising to support people through their end of life.

"Dying Matters provides detailed information to help and encourage people prepare for their end of life and make their wishes known to their family and their health and care providers.

"Most of us don’t like to think about it, but with a bit of planning it is possible to have a very good end of life.”

Dying Matters provides drop-in sessions in Ketton and Uppingham, focussing on end of life planning, care, death and bereavement.

Annie cycled in memory of Manton resident Colin Matthews, who was cared for at Thorpe Hall Hospice.

Together the friends raised more than £2,600.