TV vet Peter Wright is swapping his wellies for Lycra this June, to tackle a cycle challenge in aid of a hospice charity.

From June 7 to 9, Peter – one of the stars of Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet - will ride the Roses Way, a 170-mile coast to coast route.

Peter, who will be joined by a couple of friends, will be raising funds for Herriot Hospice@The Lambert – a new hospice in Thirsk which aims to open its doors this autumn. This is hot on the heels of his recent tractor run which raised more than £3,500.

“I am excited and somewhat nervous about this ride, but it’s for a good cause," said Peter.

“I know how difficult and stressful it can be to have a relative being looked after in a hospice or hospital way out of our area. I have known people having to travel huge distances to visit loved ones and not being able to see them regularly at this most difficult of times.

Darlington and Stockton Times: TV vet Peter Wright preparing for his charity cycle ride

“I’m a big believer in charity beginning at home and it is fantastic that people across Hambleton and Richmondshire will be able to make use of this superb facility. To have this level of care on our doorstep is priceless.”

The new hospice, based at the former Lambert Memorial Hospital, in Thirsk, will offer personalised care for people living with terminal illness and their families.

The building will house an inpatient unit with six bedrooms, a community hub, and specialist bereavement and emotional wellbeing support, and provide a permanent base for the charity’s well-established community service.

Once open, the new facility will enable Herriot Hospice Homecare to support an additional 500 people each year.

A further £411,000 is needed to open the doors, with an additional requirement of £225,000 for fixtures and fittings.

The charity's chief executive, Tony Collins said: “We are delighted at the support that Peter is giving our appeal and we wish him every success in his cycle ride.

“We still have a long way to go to achieve our ambitious plans, and we can't do this without the dedication of supporters such as Peter, who as well as raising funds, is also helping to raise the profile of our appeal.”

To sponsor Peter, people can call 01609 777 413, text VETPETER to 70085 to donate £3, or donate online at www.justgiving.com/campaign/vetpeterwright.

For more information on Herriot Hospice@The Lambert and how to get involved with raising funds, go to www.herriothh.org/thelambert.