FIVE members of staff from St Mary’s, Menston, will embark on a gruelling 24-hour fitness challenge in aid of Martin House Children’s Hospice, one of the school’s chosen charities.

From Wednesday, April 1, to Thursday, April 2, Tom Hamill, Harry Leigh, Domenic Manfredi, Tom Pringle and Giles Wilkes aim to cover the distance from Menston to Milan on stationary road bikes donated by Nuffield Health in Guiseley.

Each team member will cycle 270km and row 10km to match the 1,350km distance. The challenge will take place in the pupil reception area of the school and begins on Wednesday afternoon. The team will then cycle through the night and into the following day, aiming to finish before their 24-hour deadline.

The team have been inspired by guest speakers in year group assemblies and, more recently, by the efforts of St Mary’s Year 9 student Tom McQuaid, who raised more than £600 busking.

Last April, Mr Hamill, Mr Manfredi and Mr Wilkes completed the Coast-to-Coast Cycling Challenge from Morecambe to Bridlington, raising more than £3,000.

This challenge is more difficult and the team hope to raise more money and is asking the whole school community to get involved. On Twitter, #men stontomilan is hoping to trend.

A Menston to Milan justgiving page has been set up and donations can be made at just giving.com/Menston-Milan.

Community fundraiser for Martin House, Sarah Tarpey, said: “Thank you so much to everyone taking part in the Menston to Milan cycling challenge.

“What an amazing way to raise money for Martin House.

“The staff and students at St Mary’s have been fantastic supporters for many years.

“The money raised will go a long way to enabling us to support 340 families across Yorkshire, living with a child or young person with a terminal illness.

“Good luck with all of your cycling.”