A KEEN cyclist has decided to take on hundreds of miles across two countries on his bike to raise money in memory of his aunt and to support a Worcester charity.

Tomasz Piotrowski, who lives in Worcester and works for Wychavon District Council, will embark on his challenge in April and cycle 300 miles from Worcester Cathedral to Notre Dame in Paris in four days.

The 39-year-old decided to get involved in the event after the death of his aunt, Apolonia Zajac, last year and thought he could pay tribute to her and the palliative care she received in Poland by raising money for St Richard's Hospice - which is also marking its 30th anniversary this year.

Mr Piotrowski, the Worcestershire migration and integration in rural areas project co-ordinator, said: "One of the key reasons for deciding on supporting a local hospice was the fact that I lost someone very close to me and my family last year. It was my auntie who passed away last year in Poland.

"She was a truly amazing and inspirational person who unfortunately suffered a lot towards the end of her life.

"She received some wonderful palliative care towards the end of her life in Poland and that made me think about supporting St. Richard's as it provides similar services to thousands of people here in Worcester which has become my second home town in a way."

And Mr Piotrowski is also celebrating his own milestone this year.

"I am 40 years this year," he said. "That was one of the reasons to go for this sort of challenge as well. I am not to fussed about celebrating my birthdays but I wanted to do something meaningful for my fortieth and what's a better way of celebrating than raising funds for a worthy cause.

"Also, St. Richard's hospice celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and that made it easier to decide that they will be my charity for celebrating my 40th.

"Worcester is truly fantastic to live in as it offers easy access to main transport routes and lots of things to do in spare time. This area is also brilliant for cycling which I enjoy whenever I can.

"Having said that I have never cycled that sort of distance before and therefore am slightly nervous. I also enjoy running for charity, normally Macmillan Cancer Support."

To support Mr Piotrowski visit justgiving.com/tom-piotrowski.