FORMER Bourne resident Pam Grimes’ memory is burning bright as family and friends raised nearly £5,000 for Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, which cared for her during her final days following a battle with cancer.

Granddaughter Rosie Bunnage, alongside her grandfather Geoff Grimes and close friend Eileen Morrison, cycled more than 300km from London to Paris in order to raise as much as they could for the hospice.

The trio set off early in the morning through the streets of south-east London, continuing down through Godstone and Outwood.

During the afternoon they passed the South of England show ground, on the approach to Lewes, and later enjoyed the views of the South Downs.

After around 89km they came to the ‘Welcome to Newhaven’ sign and they headed for the ferry terminal, for a four-hour journey to Dieppe.

Day two consisted of approximately 80km from Dieppe to Gournay en Bray. It wasn’t long before they were into the Normandy countryside. The road to Gournay en Bray, led them through multiple picturesque towns, including Torcy le Grand, Saint Saens, Bosque Eveline and Argueil.

Day three was an 115km cycle from Gournay en Bray to the Eiffel Tower in Paris and day four the team were delighted to have the opportunity to explore Paris, by foot, taking in such delights as Notre Dame, the Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Montmartre, Sacre Coeur and Musee d’Orsay.

“We completed the ride and cycled every part of the 301km distance. We enjoyed the experience and met some great people along the way. The finish was in front of the Eiffel Tower with Champagne on arrival,” Rosie commented.

“We are completely overwhelmed by all the support we have received and generous donations that people have made.

“We completely smashed our target with donations coming in all over the weekend as we were cycling. We have raised just under £5,000 for Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice and in memory of my grandma Pam Grimes.

“We are so pleased to have been able to do our bit for the hospice and are hoping to receive a few more donations in order to reach the £5,000 mark now that we are so close to it.”