WITH a bag full of energy bars and bottles of water a Chippenham man is cycling from his home to the south of Spain to raise funds for Dorothy House.

Last year Liam Healy’s mother-in-law Elaine Hagan died from pancreatic cancer and was cared for her in her final weeks by Dorothy House. As a tribute to her memory and the work of the hospice the 42-year-old is undertaking the marathon cycle ride to raise funds of the charity. He chose El Soto near Marbella as that's where the family have a holiday home which Elaine always referred to as her second home. He set off from Elaine's home in Erleigh Drive on Thursday, June 6, hoping to complete the door-to-door ride in 13 days.

With a Just Giving Page and the support of his family, friends and two local firms in Mintivo and the RTS Group he has already raised more than £2,300 before he mounted his Roubaix bike. His wife Debbie Healy said Liam had refrained from drink for the last few weeks but will raise a glass in El Soto. To donate go to Just Giving Liam's Expedition to El Soto.

UPDATE: Day 2 was really gruelling as he battled against storm St.Miguel but on day six (June 11) he crossed into Spain high up in the Pyrenees.