A DEDICATED nurse is taking on a fundraising cycling challenge to support Lewis-Manning Hospice where she has worked for almost 16 years.

Ros Dwyer, a specialist nurse in the Better Breathing Clinic at the Lilliput hospice, will be cycling 106 kilometres from Southampton to Poole on August 14 with her friend Helen Hughes to raise funds for the charity that offers free care to people with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.

Ros is taking part in Stage 42 of the Great Tour - a 64-day circumnavigation of the British coastline which is regarded as one of the ultimate cycling adventures in Britain. Starting at 9am in Southampton, she and Helen will join the other riders on a route along the coastline which includes includes Solent Water, Beaulieu River at Buckler’s Hard, Lymington Quay and Hengistbury Head. The final stretch passes through Christchurch and Bournemouth before finishing at the Studland Chain Ferry in Poole.

Keen cyclist Ros said, “I really enjoy cycling, so when I found out about the Great Tour, I wanted to be part of the event. I cycled in Scotland earlier this year but was reluctant to fundraise in case I was unable to finish the challenge. However, having successfully completed the route, it has spurred me on to take on a new challenge and also use it as an opportunity to fundraise for the hospice, which has been an important part of my life for such a long time.

"Weather permitting, I plan to cycle to Southampton the day before and will go via the New Forest, so I can leisurely enjoy the beautiful scenery before the big day.”

To give Lewis-Manning Hospice your support you can sponsor Ros and Helen via the link below www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/rosandhelen