STAFF from an independent building merchant will ride 510 miles to raise cash for a Southampton hospice charity.

A team of employees from Elliots Builders Merchants will take on the French challenge on October 4 to raise £10,000 for Countess Mountbatten Hospice Charity in West End.

The team will ride from Rouen to Annecy over three days.

Sarah Galton and Adriana Walter, first-time riders from Elliotts Living Spaces in Lymington, told the Daily Echo that they are looking forward to the challenge ahead of them.

Adriana said: “This is our first time doing anything like this but, it sounded like a good challenge for a great cause so thought we should give it a go.

“To be cycling in France with the rest of the team will be an incredible experience.”

The challenge has been organised by Challenge Adventure Charities which has raised over £4 million for various charities.

Rachel Rawlings, corporate engagement and partnerships fundraiser for the Countess Mountbatten Hospice Charity thanked the team for getting involved.

She said: “We’re so grateful to all the team at Elliotts who are involved with this incredible challenge.

“All funds raised will support the work of the hospice and ensure that vital services are maintained for patients and their families.”

Visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/elliotts-builders-merchant-2018 to donate.