A local trio will use their pedal power to take on the epic Ride London-Essex 100-mile cycle challenge to raise money for Ukrainian hospitals this weekend.

Hitchin and Pirton residents John Grounds, Adrian Warner and Geoff Pick are participating in the gruelling challenge on Sunday, May 29 to support Humanitas.

The men felt compelled to support the charity who are delivering medical supplies to hospitals in Ukraine.

The Comet: John (left) and Adrian (right) training to build strength after the later suffered COVID earlier this year.John (left) and Adrian (right) training to build strength after the later suffered COVID earlier this year. (Image: Courtesy of Humanitas)

Adrian Warner said: "This is going to be the toughest 100 miles I have ever done because I’ve lost quite a bit of strength after getting COVID earlier this year. But I am sure John and Geoff will drag me to the finish."

Later this month, the Humanitas team will cross the Romanian border and head to Ukraine for their 13th trip.

Dr Ramiz Momeni, the charity's medical director, will lead the mission to donate medical supplies and humanitarian aid to hospitals and displacement centres.

She said: "When we arrive at the hospitals, the medical teams are unbelievably grateful that we are taking supplies directly to them.

"We have spent nights sleeping on the wards between missions and sitting in underground bunkers with the medical teams whilst the air raid sirens sound."

Humanitas is a grassroots charity that specialises in caring for the world's most vulnerable children. The charity runs medical, educational and foster care projects in Romania and Africa.

The charity has also sent medical teams to deliver urgent treatment to refugees living in camps around the world.

Dr Momeni added: "These people are working in incredibly dangerous and traumatic conditions and we are determined to continue to support them for as long as we can."

The Comet: John Grounds training to raise money for Humanitas to send medical services to refugees living in camps around the world.John Grounds training to raise money for Humanitas to send medical services to refugees living in camps around the world. (Image: Courtesy of Humanitas)

According to John Grounds, the hospitals and temporary shelters for Ukrainian families are in desperate need of supplies.

The trio have almost reached their fundraising goal of £1000 for the charity. To support the men on their epic charity cycle, you can donate to their Just Giving page here.

If you would like to take on a challenge in support of the work that Humanitas is doing in Ukraine, please contact Joanne Wearne at joanne@humanitascharity.org.