TWO cyclists from North Yorkshire will take part in an epic bike ride across the country to raise money for a neonatal unit.

Simon Smith and his friend Rob Wills, both from Church Fenton, near Tadcaster, will cycle 967.2 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats in 11 days, starting on Sunday, June 5.

Simon set himself the challenge to raise funds for the Peter Congdon Neonatal Unit at Leeds General Infirmary to mark the life of his baby daughter, Martha, who died at the unit in 2007.

Simon, 34, said: “Martha was terribly ill from the start of her short life and five days later my wife Julia and I were devastated when she passed away.

“We were blessed to have the dedicated team at the Peter Congdon Neonatal Intensive Care Unit close at hand. They looked after Martha with total dedication, and I truly believe that her short life was made as comfortable as possible by their professional care.

“Simon, a physiotherapist, also has a two-year-old son, Isaac, and a 12-week-old daughter, Isla.

After speaking to the unit to find out what would benefit them the most, Simon decided to try to raise £4,662 to buy a Phillips IntelliVue MP30 baby monitor.

Simon said: “The team work in extraordinary circumstances, week in and week out.

“Every day they are dealing with people living through their worst nightmares, and they do it with care, dedication and total professionalism.

“This is going to be a huge challenge, but it seems a fitting one.

“Anyone who has ever come into contact with the team at the Peter Congdon Neonatal Unit will know that they are worth every drop of our efforts and of your donations. Those who have not can rest in the knowledge that if they ever need them they will be there to care.”

To sponsor Simon and Rob, go to justgiving.com/Marthas-Cycling-Challenge