CYCLISTS across Enfield are making last minute fundraising efforts ahead of a charity bike ride this weekend.

The Big Bike Ride returns this year, with dozens of cyclists expected to take part in the 16 mile ride raising vital funds for the Nightingale Hospice.

Among them will be 47-year-old David Gakhar, who alone has raised more than £2,500 in sponsorship.

For the Bush Hill Park resident, this year's ride hold a special and poignant significance, coming just more than a week after his mother died.

He said: “I like to support local charities and enjoy the bike riding, but his one this year is slightly more personal than other rides would be.

“Although my mother did not go to the Nightingale Hospice in the end, the people there were very supportive and I know she would have had good care had she gone there.

“To raise sponsorship, I just send an email to a few friends and within a day I had more than £1,000. I think a lot of people knew my mother and knew she was ill.”

The charity ride is taking place on Sunday, June 26, starting in Town Park between 10am and 11am for novice cyclists, and at 11.15am for advanced cyclists.

It is not too late to take part. Registration costs £5 for adults and £2 for children, and can be done at www.nightingalehospice.org.uk/big-bike-ride or by calling 0208 366 9674 or email clive@nightingalehospice.org.uk.