Two HSBC UK employees are preparing to hop on their bikes and pedal across Gloucestershire and beyond to raise money for charity.

Dan Eagan and Ryan Starr are taking on the cycling challenge to raise money for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.

Gloucester branch manager Dan and Stroud branch manager Ryan will start their epic ride on Wednesday 2nd September.

The pair will cycle to 14 HSBC branches in Gloucestershire and the surrounding area, covering a distance of approximately 200 miles in two-and-a-half days.

Their colleagues are getting involved too and showing their support by matching the miles the pair will cycle, which equates to 17 miles per HSBC branch. Colleagues will take part in a variety of fundraising activities, including sponsored walks, mountain climbs, cycling, and will also hold cake sales.

Dan and Ryan were inspired to support Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice after hearing the charity had launched an emergency fundraising appeal earlier this year, because of the coronavirus pandemic.

They have already raised £2,220 for the hospice, which is Gloucestershire's only inpatient unit for specialist palliative care and supports people with life-limiting conditions as well as their families.

Ryan said: "We know many of our colleagues' friends and relatives have relied on the services of Sue Ryder and the amazing work they do and we all wanted to come up with a way we could help, which is why we launched this challenge."

Dan said: "There are 14 branches across our area all taking part in activities, wearing their Sue Ryder T-shirts, which will be brilliant for raising awareness of the charity and will help us raise as much money as we possibly can."

Matt Reay, senior community fundraiser at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, said: "A huge thank you to Dan and Ryan and all of their colleagues at HSBC UK for their incredible support.

"We want to wish them lots of luck with their impressive challenge cycling across Gloucestershire. The vital funds they raise will help us to continue to provide our expert palliative care and be there when it matters for local families. We are really grateful; your support will make a real difference."

During their challenge, Dan and Ryan will visit HSBC branches in Thornbury, Yate, Stroud, Cirencester, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, Evesham, Stratford-upon-Avon, Hereford, Leominster,Ross-on-Wye, Chepstow and Monmouth.

Any funds raised by Dan and Ryan will be matched by HSBC Bank. You can support the pair through JustGiving: www.justgiving.com/team/matchourmiles