Son cycling to Sicily in memory of his father

Giulio Genuardi will cycle from Bristol to Sicily in memory of his dad Francesco

A man is set to cycle more than 2,100 miles from Bristol to Sicily in memory of his father.

Giulio Genuardi's dad Francesco, 78, died after being hit by a car on Canford Lane in Bristol, in April 2023.

Mr Genuardi is due to set off for Mussomeli in Sicily, where Francesco was from, on Thursday morning, and plans to end the journey at the family home on the island on 26 May.

He will be joined by four friends and they will be raising money for St Peter's Hospice.

Francesco Genuardi was from the town of Mussomeli, Sicily

Giulio's wife Crocetta said her husband "really wants to do this for his dad."

"Giulio is a cyclist and has always loved it," she added.

Mrs Genuardi said the family usually drives to Mussomeli every year, but this time her husband will cycle the journey instead.

"He has lots of feelings. He's anxious and I'm very worried for him, but happy at the same time.

"He's very determined," she said.

Mr Genuardi will be accompanied by James Cook, Emilio Mazzotta and Nick Mitchell on the trip which will take them through France and Switzerland to reach Italy before hopping over to Sicily.

They will stay at campsites, hostels and hotels along the way.

Mr Genuardi and his four friends are raising money for St Peter's Hospice

Talking about her father-in-law, Mrs Genuardi said he was the "bee's knees".

"He was a devoted family man. There was no fuss and he was quite a simple person and a hardworking man.

"He was 78 when he died and it was his time to enjoy his life. He was just lovely."