A man is planning to cycle across three countries in just nine days to fundraise for hospice care.

Jody Lowe, 49, from Cheltenham, will be undertaking the gruelling 990-mile cycle challenge from Lands’ End to John O’Groats in September.

It is to raise money for the end of life charity Marie Curie.

“The care that the doctors, nurses, and healthcare assistants give people in the last months, weeks, days and hours of life truly is exceptional,” he said.

Starting in Cornwall, his route will taken him through England, Wales and Scotland.

To prepare for the challenge, Mr Lowe is averaging over 240 miles a week on his bike.

He has also completed three cycling events so far this year, including the Wonderful Warwickshire (100 miles), the HILLY Cotswold Sportive (103 miles) and the RAF Association Sportive (75 miles).

The money raised will help Marie Curie, which provides care and support to people at the end of life and their loved ones in one of its hospices across the UK and in their own homes.

The charity also provides information and support relating to end of life and bereavement.

“I am incredibly proud to say I worked for Marie Curie until recently, so know first hand about the care provided,” Mr Lowe said.

“They are ensuring patients are free from unnecessary pain and their symptoms are well-controlled whilst also providing emotional support for their families.”

Mr Lowe said he also wanted to help make a difference.

“By raising awareness of the charity and raising money to support their work, I hope to make a small but valuable impact on the continued success of the nurses who are providing much-needed care and support,” he added.

Peter Sara, Marie Curie senior community fundraiser said fundraising challenges such as Mr Lowe’s were vital to hospices like theirs.

“Now, more than ever, charities like Marie Curie are having to rely on fundraising and donations from local supporters and businesses,” he said.

“Thanks to Jody and the epic cycle challenge he is undertaking on our behalf, Marie Curie will be able deliver expert nursing care to people with any illness they are likely to die from including Alzheimer’s (and other forms of dementia), heart, liver, kidney and lung disease, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s, and advanced cancer.”