Group gears up to pedal for Connie Young

David Young has been in training for the bike ride.

While most people are looking forward to a relaxing Bank Holiday weekend, dad David Young and five pals will be getting on their bikes and setting off on the challenge between Workington in Cumbria and Hartlepool.

It is the latest in a number of fundraisers inspired by David’s four-month-old daughter Connie Young who has a bowel disorder that affects only one in every 5,000 babies.

Starting on Friday, David will be joined on the challenge by Liam Wilmott, Liam Bates, Graham Wilding, Antony Coverdale and Scott Burmiston.

Driving the support van will be Graham’s dad, Graham senior, and Darren Morrow.

Travelling up to 50 and 60 miles a day, the lads hope to arrive back in time for a charity night on Sunday at the Corporation Club in Whitby Street.

Proceeds from both events will go to The Sick Children’s Trust which runs Crawford House, a home from home at Newcastle’s RVI hospital and Ward 9 where Connie was treated.

David, 32, of Bishop Cuthbert, said: “We have been doing 30 and 20 miles here and there for the past two months or so.

“It should be quite leisurely as we are doing it over three days but I think the first day is going to be the hardest.

“It will just be a case of trying to get through it.”

David is looking forward to celebrating their achievement and also his 33rd birthday on their arrival.

The fundraising evening takes place from 7pm on Sunday at the Corporation Club and has lots to offer people including a performance by Hartlepool’s own X Factor star Michael Rice.

There will also be a raffle, tombola, disco, pie and peas, male waxing, entertainment from KellyAnne Stevens’ Danceworld girlies, and a pie eating contest.

Tickets are £2 for adults and £1 for children available from Connie’s mum Helen Dawson on 07848 972627, email [email protected] or see https://www.facebook.com/MammaPea