Hartlepool social club members raise thousands for NHS in sponsored cycle around town

Around 40 members of Hartlepool's South Durham Social Club and friends saddled up for a 20-mile sponsored cycle around the coast of town.

Each rider had to get at least £100 in sponsorship and they are on course to have smashed their target.

The final amount is yet to be announced but organisers believe they are on course to have raised around £7,000 for the NHS and Macmillan Cancer Support.

They set off from the club, also known as the Steelworks, in Westbourne Road, for the ride on Sunday, August 30.

Many of the riders literally wore their love for the NHS with special shirts featuring the national health service logo and the rainbow that has come to symbolise hope during the coronavirus pandemic.

They ride took in the Headland, Marina and Seaton Carew before returning to the club.

Club member Dwane Douglas, who was one of the organisers of the ride, said: “We had about 40 members of the club and family and friends.

"All the bikers rode really well and I’m very proud of them. I’m confident we will have raised round about £7,000.”

A number of local businesses sponsored the event including TIA Haulage, Joe's Skips, D&M Cabling Solutions and Monsen Builders.

Following the cyclists return the South Durham’s hosted a free family fun day for the community complete with magicians, barbecue, bouncy castles and bubble man.

Then on the evening, the club held live music with local band Dig The Old Breed and singer Dan Donnelly just for the adults.

Dwane added: “It was a really good day inside and out. I’d like to thank everybody for turning up and making it a great day.”

He thanked fellow club members Brian Minton and Robbie Pattison who helped him organise the day.

Charity bike rides have become something of an annual tradition with the club in recent years with members raising money for causes including Alice House Hospice, Hartlepool hospital's cancer unit and individual families and children in need of support.

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