A group of cyclists is saddling up for a coast-to-coast ride to raise money for Airedale Hospital.

The dozen-strong team will tackle a 150-mile route from Blackpool to Bridlington in aid of the Haematology and Oncology Day Unit.

The sponsored effort is in tribute to the care given by staff to a friend, Sam Tate, who died aged 30 last November following a battle with Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Among those taking part is Skipton man and Sam’s best friend, Tom Clark.

He said: “Sam was the type of mate that anyone would have been proud to call one of their own.

“Incredibly kind-hearted, generous, loyal and hilarious, he made time for anyone and everyone.”

Sam had hoped to do the gruelling bike challenge himself had he got better. The group will set off on the ride today, and aims to arrive in Bridlington on Saturday.

Participants thank businesses – including McDowells Distribution, Jacksons of Silsden, C&C Hydraulics, the Rendzevous, Halfords Bike Hut (Keighley), Endura Ltd and Oakley’s – for their support.

People can donate by visiting justgiving.com/c2c4HODU-InMemoryOf-SamTate or by texting SAMT82 and £5 or £10 to 70070.