TWO bikers are set to travel on an 8,000 mile journey across Europe to raise money for charity.

John Richmond and David Walsh, from Cliviger, will visit 32 countries in a bid to raise £8,000 for Derian House Children’s Hospice.

The pair will complete the trip, which took more than 10-years to plan, with the charity’s knitted mascot, Danni.

Mr Richmond, a-father-of-four and Mr Walsh, a father-of-two, have been friends since the age of 12 and will both celebrate their 50th birthdays on their travels.

Mr Richmond, a plumbing and heating engineer, said he could not wait to set off on their amazing ‘Miles for Smiles’ adventure.

He said: “Seeing the work that goes on at Derian House has really moved David and I.

“It’s spurred us on to raise as much money as we can.

“It was truly astounding to discover it receives very little government funding and must raise £3.85million in 2017 to continue its amazing work.

“Derian House is an incredible place and the work that goes into caring for the children and young people, as well as supporting the wider family, is second to none.

“The atmosphere is so loving and fun, you can feel it as soon as you walk through the door.”

The Chorley-based charity helps children throughout East Lancashire suffering with life-shortening conditions.

The pair plan to camp out every night and will carry all their supplies with them on their BMW and Triumph motorcycles.

They aim set off on their adventure next month and will return in six weeks time.

Mr Walsh, who owns clothing supplier Vantex Ltd, said: “Derian is a truly fantastic charity.

“We’re proud to be wearing our Derian t-shirts and our motorbikes have been covered in our Miles for Smiles and charity logos.

“We’re planning to get lots of pictures along the way with Derian Danni at various European landmarks.

“We’d like to say a really big thank you to family and friends who are supporting us on our journey of a lifetime.

“Dickies Workwear have been so generous with us, too, providing us with all the specialist clothing we’ll need along the way.”

Judy Miller, community fundraiser at the charity, said: “This will certainly be one birthday that John and David will not forget in a hurry.

“We love it when our supporters can combine their hobbies with fund-raising for us here at Derian House.

“They’ll certainly be making extra special memories, which is something that is so important for the families we support too.”

To donate to their cause, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/David-Walsh30 or visit www.derianhouse.co.uk.