Sadly, shortly after Suzie Rush, 43, of Bradfield St George, arrived at the finish point in Land's End, she learned her sister Rosie Fraser had died.

Suzie and friend Debbie Turpin rode quad bikes 874 miles from John O'Groats to Land's End to raise funds for St Nicholas' Hospice, in Bury St Edmunds.

The two women, supported by their husbands Mark and Keith, are hoping to have raised between £20,000 and £25,000 for the hospice

Suzie's sister Rosie, who also had MND, had been cared for by the hospice and had learned of her sister's success before she died at her home. Rosie leaves a husband and two children.

MND is a debilitating and progressive fatal illness. But Suzie, who was diagnosed earlier this year, refused to allow it to beat her spirit and has been determined to undertake as many challenging activities as possible.

Friends and hospice supporters helped her on her ride as her condition made it impossible for her to undertake eight hours a day on the bike. Instead, friends rode part of the journey for her. Debs rode the entire journey herself.

Barbara Gale, hospice chief executive, said: "Our thoughts and prayers go to the family at this very sad time. We offer our very heartfelt sympathies to all who knew and loved Rosie.

"St Nicholas' Hospice Care cared for Rosie and we will continue to offer the family as much support as they need.

"Suzie and Debs' incredible end-to-end journey has inspired us all and is a fitting and wonderful tribute to Rosie and her family."

Suzie and Debbie travelled as two pink ladies and their journey was organised by friend Caroline Bradburne and her husband Jeremy, whose company Greenview Environmental Ltd sponsored the bikes.

If you would like to support the two women, log on to www.2pinkladies.co.uk

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