A BROMSGROVE cyclist has vowed to overcome a major operation to take part in a three capital city challenge.

Fino Palmeri is a competitive cyclist who trains with Redditch Cycling Club.

But the 42-year-old has been forced off his bike for the past two months, after a major knee and leg operation.

He has returned to training on a static bike, as he aims to take part in the fund-raising challenge in July.

The 640-mile challenge starts at Cardiff Castle, heads to London, then finishes at Edinburgh Castle.

Mr Palmeri said he knows the challenge will prove tough, especially after the operation, but he expects to ride around 100 miles every day.

He is taking part in the challenge to raise money for St Richard’s Hospice, which provides palliative care to patients living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

His father, Tony, has stomach cancer and is supported by one of the hospice’s nurses.

Mr Palmeri said: “I met Bernie Fisher, the nurse specialist, and she was fantastic.

“Both my parents are Italian and language is a bit of a barrier, but it’s heart-warming to see her give my dad a hug and them both real support.

“I want to raise as much money as I can as a thank you for the care and compassion they give.”

He has set a £10,000 target, and has already managed to secure sponsorship from friends, family, and his colleagues from TGI Fridays, in Sutton Coldfield, where he is the manager.

Jodi Brandwood, from St Richard’s said: “This is a brilliant challenge that Fino has organised and we are full of admiration at his determination to overcome his major surgery and complete it.”

Anyone who wants to make a donation to Mr Palmeri’s challenge can do so through his fund-raising page, justgiving.com/ThreeCapitalsChallenge.