Former Hartlepool man saddles up for 100 mile cycle challenge in Texas countryside

Duncan Maclean, was born in the town and has lived in San Antonio, in the United States since 2001.

Next month, just after Christmas, he will push himself to cycle 100 miles around Leon Creek, in the San Antonio countryside on his mountain bike to raise money for the UK hospice that cared for his wife’s sister Melanie Nicholas.

Duncan, married to Delenia, and dad to Scarlett, 11, and Luke, aged nine, said: “Several years ago I got back into cycling.

“My son challenged me last Christmas to do 100 miles in a day but I thought rather than doing it for self interest I decided to do it as a charity event to help other people out.”

He hit upon the idea of doing it in memory of Melanie, who passed away from breast cancer, when he was riding in Leon Creek after her funeral in July.

She passed away at St David's Hospice Care in Wales.

Duncan, 46, who works as a supervisor for a non-destructive testing company, added: “The work they do in the hospice is quite simply amazing.

“The level of care my sister-in-law got was fantastic.

“Our goal is to raise as much money as possible to help those whose last days are made so comfortable.”

Leon Creek is a tributary stream of the Medina River and features trails in a 33-mile loop.

Duncan said he could not attempt the challenge, planned for December 27, without the support he has received from Melanie’s boyfriend James.

He said: “It is quite daunting because I have never done that distance before.

“I have done a couple of 60 mile rides in the creek which is tough.”

Duncan has set up a fundraising webpage at justgiving.com and has so far raised more than $1,000 dollars (£700).

Anyone who wishes to support Duncan, can so so at the page Duncan's 100 Miles 4 Mel.