A SOUTHAMPTON father is being joined by 55 friends to cycle round the Isle of Wight to raise money for the hospice that helped his mother in her last weeks of life.

Lee Barney, 38, an engineer and father of one from Hedge End, organised the event to raise awareness of and money for the Countess Mountbatten Hospice.

Lee's mother Sue passed away at home two years ago from bowel cancer.

She spent her last weeks at home with her family, including Lee, his brother Tom, and her two grandchildren Chelsea and Leon, around her.

Lee says that the support given by counsellors from the hospice, who helped Sue, Lee, Tom and other members of the family, was invaluable.

"It was obviously a very tough time but it was made easier by their support. My mother must have gone a huge range of emotions - dealing with that was almost as bad as the physical side," he says.

"The counsellors didn't only care about my mother's welfare but also mine and my brother's and they provided support to other family members who were visiting when they were there. They made it better for everyone. The support was still available for us after our mother passed away."

The cycle ride, being held on Sunday, May 22, is a chance for Lee to say 'thank you' to the hospice and also a tribute to the memory of his mother, who worked for Hampshire County Council and loved to travel and spend time with her family.

Lee says that although he likes to keep fit, he is far from a keen cyclist, and thinks it could be hard work on Sunday.

But he hopes it will all pay off, by raising lots of money for the Countess Mountbatten Hospice.

To sponsor him, visit JustGiving.

For more information about the Countess Mountbatten Hospice Charity, visit cmhcharity.org.uk.