TWO friends have raised £1000 for the Marie Curie Hospice in Penarth by cycling 100km. 

Financial planners Stephen Ng and Richard Gough decided late last year to take on the Dragon Ride challenge after they were both touched by care provided to members of their respective families by the Cardiff and Vale hospice.

Mr Ng and Mr Gough rode with around 6000 other competitors over mountains in the Brecon Beacons with their personal reasons for doing so, driving them both on.

In 1993, following a long and difficult fight with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Mr Ng's 23-year-old brother, Michael, passed away at the Cardiff and the Vale hospice on Bridgeman Road. 

Mr Ng said: "The support made available to the whole family, the caring nature of all of the staff and the peaceful surroundings meant that we were supported as much as was possible whilst the final moments arrived for my brother. 

"It was an experience I would not wish on anyone but in reality, it is something we may all face in time unfortunately."

In 2006, Mr Ng's mother, Mo, also passed away and was again cared for by the Marie Curie hospice staff.

"As a family, we owe them so much," he added.

"I'm not in the greatest physical shape of my life but being convinced to commit to the Dragon Ride 2016 by my friend and colleague has provided me with a new focus on not only my own fitness, health and wellbeing but to help in giving something back to the great people the hospice and Marie Curie so that they can continue the amazing hospice support and work they provide to us all."

Mr Gough's father needed respite care and end of life care in 2015.
He said: "Marie Curie provided that care not just for my father, but for all the family. 

"Nothing was too much trouble and the concern shown by every member of staff irrespective of what their role was humbling. 

"Without the support of donors, Marie Curie would not be able to provide this essential care and support."

In mid-March, Mr Ng broke his collar bone while skiing, but he still completed the 100km ride, while Mr Gough finished a 153km route.

Mr Gough added: "The views were spectacular and the 6,000 or so competitors all had a grand day out."

A spokesman for Marie Curie said: "Well done to Richard and Stephen on their amazing achievement."