A group of friends cycled 1,200 miles to raise more than £7,400 for children and young people hospices.

Basingstoke local Richard Hollingdale, alongside his friends Ron, Steve, and Mark, completed the cycling challenge from Land's End to John O'Groats in aid of Naomi House & Jacksplace.

The hospices, located in Sutton Scotney, provide care for children, young adults, and their families.

The team cycled the distance over 18 days, averaging more than 55 miles per day.

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Richard volunteers for the hospicesRichard volunteers for the hospices (Image: Naomi House & Jacksplace) Along the way, they were motivated by the kindness of strangers who helped boost morale and made spontaneous donations.

Richard, a volunteer at Naomi House & Jacksplace, said: "Throughout our journey we met people on the road who were extremely kind and made spontaneous donations to our fundraiser.

"It was so heartwarming to see people supporting our bike ride and Naomi House & Jacksplace hospices from so far away from their Hampshire base."

The group were delighted to reach the end of their journey and discover how much they had raised for the charity.

Richard is a volunteer for the hospices and supports the charity with the Recycle Bike Hub, an initiative that repairs and recycles pre-loved bikes.

Helena Maskell, volunteer services manager at Naomi House & Jacksplace, said: "I’m so proud of our volunteers, they go above and beyond in finding creative ways to raise important awareness and generate vital income for Naomi House & Jacksplace.

"Richard and his friends have been truly remarkable, flying the flag across England and Scotland for the children, young adults and families who visit our hospices."