A GROUP of friends from Wirral is preparing to cycle 900 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats for charity in memory of their pal.
Proceeds from the nine-day trek, taking place in August, will go to the Paul Lavelle Foundation and Claire House.
The group aims to raise £20,000 and will stop at the hospice in Bebington on the fourth day.
The Foundation was set up in honour of Paul, from Rock Ferry, who died, aged 50, in 2017.
His friends decided to set up the charity to raise awareness of domestic abuse involving men.
A community hub was opened in 2018 in Wirral.
The group wanted to fundraise to support both the Foundation and their local children's hospice,
Paul's friend Paul Gladwell said: "After his death, a large group of us wanted to honour Paul and set up the charity, while supporting other great charities like Claire House.
"Most of us haven't done much exercise or training for a few years, so cycling 900 miles in a massive challenge for us."
Mark Pearson, event fundraiser at Claire House, said: "Lands End to John O'Groats is one of the biggest fundraising challenges you can do in this country and we really appreciate this group supporting Claire House.
"Right now, Claire House are looking after more local children than ever before but desperately need to raise more funds so that we can be there for every local child that needs us."
After stopping at Claire House, the group will cycle through the Mersey Tunnel with a police escort and head to Goodison Park, where Paul was a season ticket holder and avid fan.
For more information and to support the group, visit:
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