Friends' chance meeting with Steve Bruce ahead of gruelling ride from Newcastle United to Hartlepool United grounds

Adam Garrington, 21, from the Headland and his friend Callum Atter, 25, braved unseasonal wind and rain to raise money for Minds for Men by completing the 35-mile journey between St James’ Park in Newcastle and Victoria Park in Hartlepool.

Their original target of £350 has been shattered and the pair now hope to pass the £2,000 mark. Before they set off they also had a chance, but morale-boosting meeting with Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce.

Adam’s main inspiration was his dad, Barry Garrington, who took his own life in 2012 aged 50.

He had also been impressed by the efforts of Hartlepool fireman Liam Lewis, who raised money for the charity in May by running 19 miles in full kit.

Adam, like Barry, is a supporter of both Hartlepool United and Newcastle United and has a season ticket at Victoria Park.

The cyclists were greeted at the end of their journey by many family, friends and well-wishers, including Adam’s son Bobby, two.

Adam, a warehouse operative, said: “It was tough. We got to Newcastle and it was raining and really windy. But the rain kept off when we started.

“It was more uphill than down. When we got to the Headland the wind had really picked up and it was against us. That was the toughest bit, it was crazy. But I knew there was only a mile-and-a-half to go then.

“Arriving at Victoria Park was fantastic. There was 50 or 60 people outside. Some of them were my dad’s friends who I hadn’t seen for a couple of years. The Miles for Men people were there too.

“We bumped into Steve Bruce at St James’ and had our photograph taken with him. I had Hartlepool United shorts on. A security guard said we had to keep socially distanced. Steve Bruce said ‘I’ll stay socially distanced while he’s got those Hartlepool shorts on!’

“I’m going to relax for a few days now. But I’ll probably do something in the future.”

To contribute, please visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/32milecyclechallenge.

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