TWO hard working fundraisers are set to take on aches, strains, wind and rain to cycle more than 400 miles in memory of an Ilminster man.

Jessica Mackay and her husband Neil are going to be completing the challenge in tribute to Jess’ dad, Patrick Loaring.

Pat went to school in Chard but then lived in Ilminster and married Wendy, the daughter of Gooch and Housego founder Lesley Housego.

In January 2017, Pat, Jess’s father suddenly died. Pat was 71 and physically healthy.

He had visited his GP just two days earlier with breathlessness and discomfort when lying down. After being sent for chest X-rays, he went home to wait for the results.

Just two days later his breathlessness increased and despite an ambulance being called Pat collapsed and passed away.

His family were later told it was caused by a blood clot in the lungs that came from somewhere else in the body, most commonly in the leg as a deep vein thrombosis.

Jess said: “Dad’s sudden death was a dreadful shock. If we had recognised the symptoms or realised he may have been at risk, it could have made a difference and he may still be alive.

“Now we want everyone to know about blood clots and to recognise the symptoms so that they can urgently seek medical care.”

So the couple decided to cycle from Pat’s home later in life in Staffordshire, to Lizard Point in Cornwall, during National Thrombosis Week (May 6 to 10).

Neil added: “This is the toughest challenge I’ve ever undertaken, but knowing it is for Pat, and that money raised will help to improve awareness and understanding of blood clots so that other lives can be saved, is keeping me strong and determined.

“We chose Thrombosis UK because of the amazing work they do in raising awareness, supporting patients and their families and providing educational training and research support to understand much more about prevention and management of thrombosis.”

The journey will pass through many of the places Pat lived and loved, including Staffordshire where Pat lived for many years and ran his business with his wife Wendy, Somerset where he was born and grew up and where his children were born, and Cornwall where he spent many years later in life on Holiday in and around the Lizard Peninsula.

To support Neil and Jess’s challenge, Peddle 4 Pat 2019, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/Peddle4Pat.