A WEST Buckland man and his daughter are taking on the challenge of cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats in 21 days this summer hoping to raise £15,000 or more for St Margaret’s Hospice.

Ian Phillips and daughter Samantha want to support the hospice after its nurses cared for wife and mother Jane, who died in March after a battle with cancer.

However, they need help in the form of a support vehicle for Mr Phillips’ son Justin to drive and have appealed for anybody who might be able to provide one.

Mr Phillips, aged 77, said: “Although neither of us are experienced cyclists, we have chosen a demanding and scenic 1,100-mile route.

“This will be the greatest physical challenge either of us have undertaken.

“But it feels small compared to what Jane went through, and to what so many families face every single day.”

The late Jane Phillips, in whose memory husband Ian and daughter Samantha are cycling the length of the country to fund-raise for St Margaret's Hospice.
The late Jane Phillips, in whose memory husband Ian and daughter Samantha are cycling the length of the country to fund-raise for St Margaret's Hospice. (Contributed)

Mr Phillips is planning to retire from his nursery wholesale business in June and will then take on the ride with Samantha starting on July 1.

He said: “We are practising hard now and still have a couple of months to go.

“We will not be doing this alone.

“This is truly a family effort, inspired by one extraordinarily special woman.

“My son Justin will be supporting us along the way, organising logistics, driving the support van, and making sure we have somewhere to rest each night, alongside joining us on the bike whenever work allows.

“We hope our grandchildren will join us for parts of the journey closer to home.

“I am especially looking forward to a cheerful wave from my grandchildren Lucy, William, and Hoge as we pass by.

“We also have the full support of our wider family, including Jane’s sisters Lindsay, Sue, Kim, and Jackie, and their partners.”

Mr Phillips said the ride was a way for the family to say ‘thank you’ to the hospice for the ‘five star care’ given to his wife in the final seven months of her life.

Ian Phillips and Samantha hope to raise £15,000 for St Margaret's hospice.
Ian Phillips and Samantha hope to raise £15,000 for St Margaret's hospice. (Contributed)

He said last November Jane developed a serious infection and was not expected to survive the night.

Mr Phillips said: “But, through the skill, calmness, and determination of the hospice team, they managed to pull her through.

“Because of them, Jane had more time.

“She was able to enjoy Christmas with her family, and precious weeks beyond that we will always treasure.

“Their care was nothing short of extraordinary, and yet, it cost us nothing.

“It is our hope that the money we raise will allow St Margaret’s to continue helping other families, just like ours.

“To provide comfort, dignity, and precious time when it matters most.”

The route chosen for the fund-raising ride will take the pair over the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains and across Snowdonia before they rejoin the traditional journey north toward John O’Groats.

A JustGiving page has been set up for donations and Mr Phillips and Samantha have already raised more than £2,500 toward their target.