A PAIR of Stourbridge fundraisers have completed a mammoth cycling challenge that took them the length of the country.

Friends Richard Westwood, 46, and Phil Compson, 48, cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats as their way of raising money for Mary Stevens Hospice.

The duo took eight days to complete their 875 mile challenge and have raised more than £1,500 for the hospice which is close to their hearts.

Richard said: “It was a tough personnel challenge that has created many great memories for both myself and Phil.

“We’re feeling great – if a little tight legged.

“It was a wonderful experience to ride through our beautiful country while raising valuable funds for a great cause.”

Every year Richard aims to take part in charity endurance fundraising events and in previous years has walked the Pennine Way in nine days as well as taking part in the national Three Peak Challenge and the Yorkshire three peaks.

He said: “Both myself and Phil were born at Mary Stevens and I still have close ties with Stourbridge although I now live in Dubai.

“We've raised money for the hospice before when we took part in the Santa jog. It’s an amazing place that helps so many people leave this world, but it also helped us enter the world, so we want to give something back.”

To support Richard and Phil’s challenge and donate to Mary Stevens Hospice visit www.justgiving.com/Richard-Westwood4