Friends Matt Chiles and Ian Hedges are planning to cycle across the West Country to raise money for the hospital which cared for Mr Chiles’ brother Daniel before his death three years ago.

The pair will cycle around 80 miles from Bath City Football Club to Dorchester Town Football Club via Chippenham Town Football Club later this year, and hope to raise at least £1,000 for the Bristol Children’s Hospital Wallace and Gromit Appeal.

Mr Hedges, of Melksham, said: “I have never done anything like this before.

“I have been inspired by what Matthew has been doing over the past three years.

“I know Daniel’s death hit him hard, but he has worked so hard to raise money for the hospital.

“He was going to retire from fundraising but I wouldn’t let him.

“I said that I would manage this project and all he has to do is come along with me.”

Mr Hedges, 27, wanted to organise a simple but effective fundraiser to help childhood friend Mr Chiles, of Parkfields, Chippenham.

He said: “I didn’t want this to be complicated because I just want to be able to raise as much money as possible.

“I moved to Melksham when I was eight, but my memories of Daniel are as a kind and generous child.”

Daniel was 18 when he began a four-month fight against germ cell cancer.

Over the past three years Matt, 24, has raised £10,000 for the Bristol Children’s Hospital.

Anyone who would like to sponsor the pair can do so by visiting the Facebook group Cycling For Daniel.