WORKERS from Droitwich’s Waitrose store will be swapping the shopping aisles for the saddle when they cycle 175 miles to raise funds for St Richard’s Hospice.

The team of riders will be cycling between Waitrose branches in the Midlands. They will start off in Droitwich and visit Stratford, Malvern, Cheltenham, Stroud and Cirencester branches before finishing back in Droitwich. The ride will be split over three days and take place in early June.

The team will consist of Mike Harris, Emma Green, Russell Boatman, Phil Ching, Martin Williams, Amy Purser, Ben Kell, Stephen Harris and Adam Green.

Mike, Emma and Russell, who all live in Droitwich, came up with the idea.

Mike Harris said: “My mum, who died three years ago, was treated in the hospice shortly before she passed away. Emma and Adam’s father has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer and has expressed that St Richard’s is where he would like to go. This bike ride gives the team an opportunity to give something back for the amazing care which was and will be given in the future.”

The team is aiming to raise £2,000 in sponsorship for the hospice to go along with the £1,250 Mike has already raised from a sky dive two years ago.

St Richard’s fundraiser Jodi Brandwood said: “This sounds like a fabulous challenge and I’m sure they will get lots of support from colleagues and friends as the cycle around the other Waitrose branches. We are really grateful to the team for taking on such a big challenge and wish them luck.”

To support the team go to justgiving.com/teams/droitwichbike672 St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and supports their families.

For more information visit strichards.org.uk