A GROUP of 30 cyclists have completed a marathon ride through France and raised over £16,000 for Grove House.

Family and friends of Alan Fischer gathered in his memory to cycle from St Malo in Brittany to Cannes on the Mediterranean coast. The gruelling 950-mile journey was completed by the group in just 14 days with the 12 riders and their support team facing blistering heat and hallenges of endurance as they travelled south through the French countryside.

Despite the difficulty of their task the group were inspired on their way by the memory of Alan, having chosen the challenge and the route as a tribute to him.

Alan’s sons, Alastair, 28, and Scott, 26, said they were proud to have completed the journey to remember their father: “Dad was a keen cyclist and had always wanted to complete this particular route. Sadly Alan died in 2011 before we were able to plan the ride, so it has been a huge privilege to do this with his friends and other members of the family to remember him.”

Alan’s wife Lindsay was also involved with the cycle ride, forming part of the support team that travelled with the cyclers.

She said: “I have been overcome by the hard work, commitment and enthusiasm shown by friends and family to ensure the success of this trip.”

Lindsey also talked of how the challenge was inspired by Alan’s passion for the region: “Alan particularly loved this part of France and a very special moment was when we were able to sprinkle some of his ashes in the Dordogne area and remember Alan as the wonderful husband, father and friend that he was. Alan died of cancer at home, the expert Grove House Hospice at Home nurses were constantly on hand to give us all the support we needed at the end of Alan’s life and through some of the difficult times that followed.”

She added: “I am proud that this very special trip has meant so much to so many people, I am particularly delighted that we have raised over £16,000, all of which will be donated directly to Grove House Hospice to help them with their vital work.”

If you would like add to the fundraising total, visit www.justgiving.com/guyfishcer1