Daring duo cycle in memory of Joe

Neil and Tony Welden

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TWO brothers have cycled from Manchester to Blackpool to raise money for The Christie charity.

Tony and Neil Welden took on the gruelling challenge in memory of Tony's friend's son Joe Slater who tragically died in April 2010, after a four-and-a-half year battle with cancer at the age of just seven.

The pair, who have never attempted anything as daunting as the 63-mile journey, raised over £700 with donations still coming in.

Tony (43), of Moorside, and Neil (48), who lives in Failsworth, managed to do the ride in four-and-a-quarter hours despite having a burst tyre valve with 12 miles to go.

Tony said: "As this was our first bike event of 63 miles and was actually more than we had practised for, which was only 15-20miles, we did find some parts of the bike stage hard but overall the course was nice and challenging.

"As for the training, we had only done one run out together around Hadfield and Glossop where there's not as much traffic and some nice views.

"And I had done a few rides in and around Saddleworth by myself.

"When we got to the end we both looked at each other and had the biggest smile on our faces.

"We agreed there and then to do it again next year but a lot faster as we didn't know what the course was like.

"Surprisingly, we were both okay after the event with no aches or pains.

"If we didn't have family and friends at the finish line we would have cycled back to Manchester!

"We are looking to do more events and challenges as I have a bucket list to get through.

"I just drag my brother along with me, which he is up for doing every time.

"We have also talked about doing the Yorkshire tour, but we will need to do more training for that one.

"It's important to me to raise awareness of cancer.

"I see a lot of friends and family going through this and passing away at such a young age, with the technology we have today we still can't find a cure, so the more we raise funds to do this the closer we get to finding the answer."