MORE than 130 cyclists took to the streets of Salford and North Manchester in the Carol Green Cycle Ride, raising an estimated £20,000 for St Ann's Hospice in Little Hulton.

The 40-kilometre ride in memory of a patient who died in the hospice after battling stomach cancer attracted both serious cyclists and less competitive riders out for fun. People even donned fancy dress to make it a more festive occasion.

The money will go to the Little Hulton site, where it will be used for the continued care of people with life-threatening illnesses.

Carol Green died from stomach cancer at the age of 44.

Carol's husband, Eddie Green, said raising money through the bike ride is the family's way of helping other people in the same situation as Carol. "Carol only spent a short time at St Ann's Hospice before she passed away, but I saw first hand what a wonderful job they all do," said Eddie. "It's the environment, the care. Anything a patient needs, those needs are met.

"I can't think of a more worthwhile cause than St Ann's, who help so many Greater Manchester people through so many difficult times," said Eddie. The Carol Green Cycle Ride is expected to become an annual event. St Ann's Hospice is a centre for excellence, caring for people with life-threatening illnesses in Greater Manchester. It has two sites, at Heald Green and Little Hulton, as well as the Neil Cliffe Cancer Care Centre.