Mike, 72, saddles up again after clocking up 310,000 miles

Mike Rainton, 72, formerly from Kingsley Avenue, who now lives in Lowestoft, Suffolk, has previously clocked up over 310,000 miles in the saddle since cycling to ICI in Billingham where he started work in the 1960s as a teenager.

In the last 10 years, Mike, who is still a member of Hartlepool Cycling Club, has completed eight sponsored rides from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

In the process he has raised £100,000 for two charities that helped his grandson Robby Rainton during his fight against a rare cancer.

Old friends in Hartlepool have been stanch supporters of Mike including West Hartlepool Rugby Club who he played for in the 1960s.

Now he is appealing for sponsorship for his latest fundraiser, a 60-mile cycle between Blackpool and Manchester next weekend.

Mike, who was also a member of West Hartlepool Boys Welfare Club, said: “In 2014 my grandson, Robby Rainton, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Rhabdomysarcoma, something which came as a huge shock and worry to all of us.

“Robby battled bravely against the disease for over three years, before sadly passing away on August 26, 2017.

“Throughout Robby’s illness we received wonderful support from The Christie, a major cancer treatment hospital in Manchester, where he received treatment and care.

“Also important to us was the support from Saras Hope Foundation, a charity which provides holiday breaks for children with cancer.

“On July 8 a team of us organised by my son Stephen Rainton will be taking part in the Manchester to Blackpool ride and we are looking for sponsorship for those two charities.”

Stephen said: “Given this is a distance of over 60 miles and our team consists of those who, in the main, have not cycled that far since this event last year, this represents a significant challenge!”

Anyone who wishes to support Mike can give online at virginmoneygiving.com on the page RidingforRobby2018.

All support will be gratefully received.