A THREE TOWNS flute band will get on their bikes in memory of one of their founding members Gary Woods after he lost his battle with cancer.

Saltcoats Protestant Boys flute band are on a mission to support a charity that helps provide palliative care to people in Ayrshire who are terminally ill.

They will 28 miles leaving from Ardrossan, heading to Irvine, then to West Kilbride before returning to Saltcoats.

Gary passed away aged 49 on March 24, and his fellow band mates will pay a touching tribute to him before the cycle by laying down flowers at his graveside.

Best pal Frank McKee, who was friends with Gary since they were five, told how the boys have been working hard and have already raised £4,000 for the Ayrshire Hospice.

He told the Herald: “There’s going to be 30 of us cycling for Gary. We thought it would be a good thing to arrange with lockdown – we are all going to go in separate groups to stick to social distancing measures.

“A lot of the boys have taken up cycling during lockdown. Gary enjoyed going out in his bike as well. The boys have been brilliant going out with sponsor sheets. We all aimed to get £30 per sheet but we’ve raised £4,000.”

The cycle is set to be an emotional day.

Frank said: “We are all meeting at mine first then we are going to lay flowers down at cemetery.

“The band haven’t been able to meet up and practice during lockdown so we will all be together again.

“Gary never used the Hospice, but they are a great charity – we know how much they help people who have cancer.

“We found out they are struggling just now with no fundraising due to the lockdown, so we are happy to do what we can to help.

“Gary’s mum Marian and dad Tam have given us their blessing, they thought it was a great

idea.”