VOLUNTEER Daniel Cavender is setting out on the toughest challenge of his life – a fundraising cycle trek from Rome to Swindon’s Great Western Hospital.

The 39-year-old wants to raise £9,000 for the Osprey Ward for outpatients with serious conditions and will set out on the ride in May.

He was inspired to take up the ride after volunteering at GWH for two years and progressed his charity challenges by designing a fundraising website.

Mr Cavender, of Purlyn Acre, Marlborough, will cycle around 1,500 miles and hopes to complete the challenge in less than four weeks.

He said: “It’s probably going to be the hardest thing I’ll ever do in my life. I love cycling, it’s something I do for pleasure, but I’m not a fitness fanatic so it’s going to be really tough.

“Cycling across the Alps is the part I’m most worried about – I’ve been told it’s really hard. I’ve cycled over Dartmoor but that’s nothing in comparison.”

When Mr Cavender, a mature student at Plymouth University, sets out on the ride he will take the train to Rome and set off on his bike from the Vatican.

In 2011 cycled from John O’Groats to Lands End, raising £3,500 for the hospital.

He said: “When I volunteered with the hospital I saw all the good work they do so I wanted to raise as much money as possible to help fund equipment.

“It’s a lot of money but I’m hopeful that I can raise through various events like fun days and static bike rides.

“It’s also about raising awareness about all the good work that they do.”

On Saturday Mr Cavender will be doing a static bike ride at Sainsbury’s in Calne to raise money for the hospital.

To sponsor him visit www.gwhcharity challenge.org.