Four friends are cycling 200 miles in two days, from Sheffield to Dunmow to raise money for the St Clare Hospice in Hastingwood.

The event is in memory of David Barron from Dunmow, who died of cancer aged 76 spending his last days at the hospice.

Mr Barron died on July 3 last year and on this first anniversary, his daughter Liz Chapman and three friends will be cycling from Sheffield where he was born to St Mary’s Church in Dunmow where his ashes lie.

Liz said: “My dad was born in Sheffield and I promised him just before he died that I would cycle from there to Dunmow and he just squeezed my hand. So I have to do it now.

“We will be cycling to raise money for the outstanding hospice which looked after him. St Clare gave him the dignity he deserved in his final days.”

Liz added: “My dad was my inspiration, he loved his cycling. He lived in Stebbing Green for over 30 years before he and mum moved to Dunmow about 11 years ago. He was heavily involved in the RNLI and the Twinning Group in Dunmow, but he lived for his work a chairman of various NHS trusts.

“Over the years, my dad and I cycled from London to Brighton and London to Cambridge We also cycled from Dieppe to my parents’ house in Picardie in France. We raised money for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

“He lived life to the full and was such a giving man. I was really proud of him.”

Liz, 41, will be joined by her friends Claire Bullock from Great Bardfield and Johnny Bradley and Matt Southon from Great Easton.

Liz a learning support assistant at Great Bardfield Primary and mum to Thomas, aged nine and Emily, eight is hoping to raise £1,000 and the other cyclists are being sponsored too. Liz’s husband, Bryan will be in the support vehicle. To support the project go to www.justgiving.com/Becauseipromised.