Cycling buddies John O’Neill and Stuart Dundas, who are both volunteers at Queenscourt, have just completed a mammoth challenge which has so far raised over £1,600 in memory of their friend Paul Quirk.

Unable to continue with their volunteering duties because of Covid-19 restrictions, the pair decided to take part in the 2.6 Challenge and hit upon the idea of cycling 26 miles a day for 26 days.

“We decided we wanted to do something to raise money for Queenscourt and in commemoration of our friend and fellow cyclist Paul Quirk who sadly died after a very short illness on April 2,” said John,

“We realised it was exactly 26 miles there and back from our home in Parbold to Queenscourt and set a target of £500 but the support we have had from people has been absolutely marvellous.”

Paul, a long-time member of Middletons Cycling Club in Ormskirk, had been cared for by Queenscourt which gave John and Stuart even more inspiration to fundraise for the hospice in lieu of their volunteering.

The pair have been volunteers at Queenscourt for about six years – both have been ambulance drivers, although John currently helps with home visits and daycare.

If you’d like to help boost their fundraising, donations can still be made at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JohnandStuart.