A GROUP of cyclists is tackling a coast-to-coast ride in tribute to a dad who died from cancer.

Family and friends of Jon Beaumont will saddle-up this weekend to cover a route from Morecambe to Bridlington.

Despite undergoing radiotherapy treatment at the time and being in considerable pain, Mr Beaumont was part of a team which completed the same challenge two years ago – raising £3,500 for cancer research.

This time, the 30-strong group – which begins its gruelling two-day stint on September 10 – is riding in aid of Manorlands, the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice where Mr Beaumont was cared for and spent his final days.

His widow, Sheila, said: “This is absolutely what Jon would want us to do – turn our loss into something positive and raise some much-needed funds for Manorlands, which provided amazing care for Jon and the rest of the family at such a difficult time.

“I really don’t know how we would have managed without them.

“I’ll be supporting the riders every step of the way as we celebrate Jon’s life together.”

Mr Beaumont died last November, aged 52, after a long battle against bowel cancer.

Latterly of Eldwick, near Bingley, he had previously lived at Clayton Heights in Bradford.

The number of people taking part in this weekend’s challenge has soared from an initial ten.

Manorlands fundraiser Harriet Wood said: “This challenge is a celebration of life as much as anything else.

“It’s clear just how much everyone cared for and thought of Jon, as the group’s numbers have continued to rise over recent months.

“We are completely overwhelmed by the determination and passion of everyone taking part and wish them all the very best of luck.”

An online fundraising page has been set-up, which has so far coined-in over £800.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Sheila-Beaumont.

Manorlands supports patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families at the hospice and in the community, across an area covering Craven, Airedale and Wharfedale as well as parts of Bradford.

All services are free to patients and their loved ones, but it costs £9,000 a day to keep the hospice doors open and only a small part of the cost is covered by statutory funds.

Most of the funds have to be raised through voluntary donations.