Cyclists Jack O’Meara and Adam Hall have a heartwarming approach to their fundraising challenges in aid of Bolton Hospice – “we try to make them difficult.”

Last May, the daring duo from Horwich decided “after a bet in the pub” to cycle the 127-mile route along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

They were given bikes (“nothing too fancy”, they explained), did no real training, gave themselves just 24 hours for the mammoth task and began it straight after work.

“No, I don’t think we really planned much,” admitted Jack, with huge understatement. “And we’re definitely not real cyclists.”

They faced very poor weather conditions and actually went alongside the wrong stretch of water for a time.

However, with support from their families, friends, employers and work colleagues plus pals at Sam’s Bar in Horwich, they ultimately raised £1,300 for the Hospice.

And on May 20 this year, they are taking on another similar challenge in the 170-mile route of the Way of the Roses from Morecambe to Bridlington.

This time, they are taking three days for the challenge although back on the same bikes, with little training and no nice bed and breakfasts or hotels involved.

The likely lads are sleeping in fields in one-man tents they’re stowing on their bikes and eating out on the route.

Sam’s Bar is again helping them and, on May 24, there is a free karaoke and disco there when they hope to boost their funds with donations. “We’re hoping to raise £2,000,” stated Jack.

“Last time, we could monitor the donations,” commented Adam, “and it was great seeing how people were giving when we were on our way so we’re hoping the same will happen again.”

Jack, whose Grandad received end of life care in the Hospice around six years ago, and Adam, whose sister-in-law was being treated for breast cancer there when financial problems meant beds had to close, are both big fans of the Hospice. “They do a great job”, they agree.

So they’ve launched a GoFund Me page https://gofund.me/ea782b2b2

and also have an app where people can follow their journey and get more involved.

“We’ve not really made great plans again,” said Jack. “We’ve not even got our bikes yet but we’ll be fine.

“We’re doing it for a really good cause and that’s all that matters.”