A BRADFORD man is gearing up to take on a major fundraising challenge in aid of a vital charity close to his heart. 

Over four days, Mark Cunningham, of Eccleshill, will cycle from his home city to Edinburgh and back - which is 500 miles in total - for the Marie Curie Hospice in Bradford. 

Mark lost his parents Beryl and Jack to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cancer, and both spent their final days under the care of staff and volunteers at the hospice. 

His friend, Helen Smith, also died at the hospice aged just 52.

Mark described the care they received as "awesome".

He said: "I wanted to raise funds for the hospice so, as a keen cyclist, I decided to organise cycling events every year since my dad passed away - my first was in 2015 which was Bradford to Morecambe and back in a day.

"To date I've managed to raise more than £30,000 for the hospice and I'm hoping to get to £6,000 for this year's ride, which I'm dedicating to my dear friend Helen.

"I'm doing some turbo collections at some supermarkets to help boost the pot - I'm currently at more than £4,400."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Good luck, Mark!Good luck, Mark! (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

The Marie Curie Bradford Hospice supports people living with a terminal illness and those closest to them to live as well as possible.

Mark said: "The hospice is often very different from what people expect - it is a warm, friendly space with beautiful gardens, delicious home-cooked food and personalised care.

"Every person is treated as an individual and helped to reach their goals and fulfil their wishes.

"A team of nurses, doctors, pharmacists, social workers, physiotherapists, chaplains and bereavement counsellors work together, putting every person at the centre of their care.

"They tirelessly work around the clock to help local people."

Mark - who will set off from Bradford on May 17, returning home on May 20 -  said training was going well. 

"I'm averaging 170 miles a week with my work commute and 50 miles at weekends," he added. 

Mark, who works at Bradford-based Peregrine Print, said he had received "massive support" from his manager Colin Priestley, who himself is a keen backer of Marie Curie Hospice.

Mark thanked all his family and friends for their ongoing support and donations.

To sponsor him, visit www.justgiving.com/page/mark-cunningham-1705936343359