A pair of lifelong friends from Southampton have raised over £5,000 for charity after cycling over 800 miles to each charity shop.

Dan Piernicki and Paul Bowers have been friends their entire lives, but throughout July, the pair took on the challenge of cycling the distance of John O'Groats to Land's End.

The mammoth ride was over 874 miles long and was done in aid of nearby hospices, Naomi House and Jacksplace who help life limited children and young adults.

The challenge was completed on August 1 as the pair crossed the finish line at the hospices in Sutton Scotney, having travelled to each of the charity's 21 shops across the Wessex region.

Dan Piernicki said: “This has been the most rewarding and punishing challenge. It’s been amazing to meet so many wonderful volunteers and staff. I’m just glad we could raise some money to help them.”

His partner for the ride, Paul Bowers added: “We’d probably bitten off more than we could chew with this challenge but it’s for a great cause.

"The thought of any amount of help that can be provided with the money raised is what gets us by each mile.”

Overall the challenge raised over £5,000 for the hospices, smashing the pairs original targets.

Lisa Congdon, Senior Fundraiser for Corporate Partnerships at Naomi House and Jacksplace, said: “Dan and Paul have shown great determination with this epic cycle challenge, they have shown a real dedication to raise as much as possible and have raised an incredible amount.”

Naomi House nursing and medical staff provide individualised nursing care that helps to enhance short lives and allows more than 600 local families to make the most of their time with their children.