Cycling family raises £!0,000 for Sheffield's Weston Park Hospital

Robin Newman (50) was treated at Weston Park Hospital after being diagnosed with throat cancer four years ago and took on the 927-mile challenge as a thankyou to those who cared for him.

Joining Robin in the fund-raising ride for the hospital’s cancer charity were brothers-in-law Steve Braithwaite (42) and Tony Sanford (44).

Completing the family affair was Stephen’s father Tony Braithwaite (65), who was the support driver escorting them on their route.

Steve said: “We completed the ride with many incidents. The biggest problem turned out to be with the support vehicle and not with the bikes themselves.

“Robin ran into the most repairs on the bikes, with two punctures and a broken back bracket 30 miles from Edinburgh. That took four hours to sort out at a bike shop, who were really helpful.

“Tony had to contend with four punctures and two new tyres and I only had one puncture with 15 miles to go, so not bad.”

The 927-mile journey took 11 days, including one when they were delayed because of problems with the support vehicle.

The riders, all from Anston, spent almost 66 hours on the saddle and averaged a daily speed of 14mph.

Steve, of Nursery Crescent, said: “The money we raised was £9,261. But the gift aid still needs to be added on, so hopefully that should go over £10,000.”

For more information or to donate, visit www.lejog4wphcc.org.

Weston Park is one of only three dedicated cancer hospitals in the UK. Funds raised support world-class research to improve treatment and care for those living with cancer.