CYCLIST Keith Richards is preparing for a very emotional trek.

The 38-year-old from Purton is preparing to hop on his bike to ride from Lands End to John O’Groats in aid of Prospect Hospice and the Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

Keith, a member of Swindon Road Club, will be setting off on September 28 to cover the 1,000 mile journey in just 12 days, and is hoping to raise £1,000 for each charity – two causes very close to his heart.

His commitment to Prospect is inspired by his grandmother, Betty McNeil, a supporter of her hospice since its very early days. For Keith, fundraising for Prospect is keeping up a family tradition. “I am very keen to support the work of Prospect,” he said.

“Over the years I have grown to really appreciate the work it does, and I’m very pleased to be raising funds for a charity that supports, and is supported by, its community.”

As well as Prospect, Keith is also raising funds for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust, in memory of his friend Simon Evans, a fellow cyclist who died last year on a long-distance ride, and who Devon Air Ambulance crews tried in vain to save.

“I’ll be thinking of Simon along the way, especially through Devon,” said Keith.

“The Devon Air Ambulance Trust were fast on the scene, but despite all their efforts they were unable to save Simon's life.

“He was A really terrific guy, and every day he is in my thoughts.

“Thinking of him will doubtless help me over some of the more difficult climbs on this ride.”

Sheryl Crouch, Prospect’s head of fundraising, said: “We are so grateful to Keith for wanting to fundraise for us through his Land’s End to John O’Groats ride.

“Support like this is vital for Prospect Hospice in raising the £5m it costs to provide our care freely for more than 1,600 patients, and their families, who we meet each year.”

Keith is also planning to hold several fundraising events before his trip including a charity meal and a quiz night.

To sponsor him visit his Just Giving pages; http://www.justgiving.co.uk/saggy-lejog- for Prospect or http://www.justgiving.co.uk/Keith-Richards-DevonAA