TWO sisters are preparing to cycle 52 miles in memory of their grandmother who died.

Lauren Hughes, 22, and her sister Kelly, 19, of Marks Road, Romford, intend to cycle from Southend to Romford and back in a day to raise money for Blenheim Ward, in Southend Hospital, where Kay Milton passed away, aged 69.

Kay suffered with diabetes and died from renal failure.

Lauren said: “So now in memory of our most loved and missed Nan, me and my sister are embarking on this challenge to give something back to the ward and hospital.

“This is one mile short of the London to Brighton bike ride people make annually.”

They are planning the ride for July 28 2011 - what would have been their grandmother’s 73rd birthday.

Kay was born in Westcliff and evacuated to Romford during the war where she met her husband Alan. They were married 33years before she was widowed and moved back to Southend.

Kelly said: “She finished up her days spending time with us and our mum on days out to the beach, walks along the pier and buying lots of ice cream in Rossi’s.”

Lauren, a university student, and Kelly, an office manager, are hoping to raise �1000.

After the bike ride the sisters intend to release 1000 balloons in a balloon race from Shoebury beach.

Lauren said: “We are hoping to get as many people involved in this balloon race as we can, and ask if there are any schools interested in taking part, to please contact us by email.

“The idea of the balloons is not only to race them to the furthest point, but for children to make a wish or send a message to a loved one.”

Email the sisters at laurenandkellys52milebikeride@hotmail.com.

Donate to the cause at www.justgiving.com/laurenandkellyhughes.