Supporters saddle up for final fight of terminal Hartlepool father-to-be Rob Allen

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In just a few weeks time, friends Ronnie Williams, Craig Graves and Darren Storer will pedal roughly 60 miles from Hartlepool United to St James’s Park in Newcastle and back again in one day.

Ronnie came up with the idea to raise as much money as possible for his childhood friend Rob Allen who in January was given the devastating news that he has terminal cancer.

Rob, 40, has been battling the disease for seven years and is about to become a dad for the first time very soon.

From left: Craig Graves, Ronnie Williams and Darren Storer who are taking part in a charity fundraising bike ride for Rob Allen who has terminal cancer on July 25.

The sponsored bike ride is part of a huge fundraising effort by friends of Rob to raise as much money as possible to make his remaining time as comfortable as possible and for his wife Kimberley and newborn baby after he is gone.

Ronnie, 39, of Rift House, said: “Rob and I grew up together. I’ve known him since we were about five or six years old.

“It’s horrible what he's going through now. It's just heart-wrenching. I feel for him and his family especially having a baby.

“If I can help in any way I will.”

Rob Allen and wife Kimberley who is expecting their first child in July.

Ronnie, a painter and decorator for Hartlepool Borough Council, is no slouch on a bike having previously completed Coast to Coast challenges, but he hasn’t ridden seriously this year.

He added: “I know with this ride there is about 4,000 feet of climbing involved.”

He has set a target of raising £500 and is over half way to meeting it already.

Ronnie hopes he may be joined by a few more riders for the challenge set to take place on Saturday, July 25.

Craig Graves, Ronnie Williams and Darren Storer get some practice in ready for the ride to Newcastle and back in a day on July 25.

Anyone who wants to sponsor him can do so at the GoFundMe page Raising Money for Rob Allen's Final Fight.

Another close friend of Rob’s, Karli Coates, has started a fund at JustGiving to raise up to £100,000 for adaptions to Rob’s home as his mobility worsens.

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