A group of six men from Stroud are saddling up to take on an epic 318-mile mountain bike endurance challenge to raise funds for a local hospice in thanks for the care given to one of the group’s family members.

The Muddy Funkers, who all hail from Stroud, will climb 47,100 feet as part of the challenge, when they cycle from Llandudno to Rhossili in Wales next month.

The ride, which will start on Saturday 8th June, is expected to last a week.

Giles Granger’s mum was cared for by Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice and he and his team-mates have organised the challenge in memory of his mum in the hope of raising £5,000 to be divided between the hospice who looked after her, and another charity close to the heart of one of the other Muddy Funkers’ team-mates.

Giles said: “Sue Ryder cared for my mum for two weeks prior to her returning home for the end of her life a week later. The care was second to none and this continued when she was at home with daily calls from the hospice’s medical consultant. It really is an amazing place – it’s welcoming, compassionate and extremely caring.”

The team are undertaking lots of training in the run up to their endurance challenge.

Giles added: “The challenge is hard work and all consuming, but we’re working as a team.

“We’ve been getting out on our bikes in groups or on our own two to three times a week over the past few months. Some of us are going to the gym and going swimming to get in peak physical condition too.

“As we face the challenge we’ll be sticking together and giving each other plenty of encouragement along the way.

Donations towards the group’s challenge in support of their chosen charities can be made at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/TheMuddyFunkers1