PASSERS-by would have been forgiven for thinking they had landed in a scene from Bedknobs And Broomsticks on Saturday when they were overtaken by a huge bed in the middle of the street pushed along by zany fundraisers for the Adver’s 160 Appeal.

Caroline Hull and her brother-in-law Richard Adams, and their friends and family, staged a bed push to raised funds for their 500km cycle through Rajasthan for Prospect Hospice.

Clad in Wonder Woman, Wallly, Pocahontas and an array of superhero costumes, the group covered eight miles setting off from the Spotted Cow in Coate, rolling their way along Marlborough Road and up and down Victoria Hill, in Old Town, before returning to the pub.

The quirky fundraiser not only allowed Caroline and Richard to collect £195 but to raise awareness of the hospice and the support it provided when Caroline’s mother Dorothy was diagnosed with bowel cancer seven years ago.

“It was a fun way to raise money for Prospect,” said the 47-year-old from Covingham.

“We were trying to think of something different to do and to draw people’s attention.

We had lots of waves and cheers and beeps from cars – I think they were nice beeps.

“And we wanted to make people aware of what we are doing and the good work that Prospect do to help families in the long run.

“It was hot up the hill so it was harder but we had a laugh along the way and made our own entertainment.”

Caroline, who is the deputy manager at the Spotted Cow said: “My mum never went into the hospice but they were there for her at home. They were always there for the family.

“The simplest thing they say or do makes a big difference to you and your family.

“I think that if you’ve been through it yourself, you feel like you need to help others.”

Caroline and Richard must raise £8,000 between them in order to take part in the daunting bike ride through India in November 2015, her father’s homeland.

They have so far secured £3,800.

She said: “Every time I do a fundraising event I feel I am getting closer to going to India. It’s another step.

People were generous on the way and it was a really fun thing to do.

We had a supportive group of friends and family who helped us.”

Caroline and Richard will hold a masquerade ball on August 9 and a ladies’ pamper night on September 27 at Liden Community Centre.

For information call 07912 568308 or email rajasthanbikeride@gmail.com. To sponsor them visit www.justgiving.com/caroline-hull3 or www.justgiving.com/richard-adams28.