The North East | Archive | 2002 | June | 10
From the Northern Echo, first published Monday 10th Jun 2002.
A SUPER-FIT cyclist has raised more than £100 for hospital radio by pedalling 82 miles on a stationary bike.
Darren Weston took part in a sponsored bike ride at the Dolphin Centre in Darlington to raise money for Radio Skerne at Darlington Memorial Hospital where he is a DJ.
He managed to pedal 82 miles in four hours and ten minutes on an exercise bike in the Dolphin Centre foyer, raising more than £100.
As well as raising money, the ride was a warm-up for another cycle challenge Mr Weston is taking on later this month.
He is joining forces with three colleagues from Halfords, in Bishop Auckland and Darlington, to complete the 1,400-mile Hell of the North route to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.
Mr Weston, whose wife contracted cancer at the age of 26, is aiming to raise more than £2,000 for the charity.
He will be tackling the Hell of the North route with David Fullerton, Christopher Lax and Stuart Wearmouth.
He said: "Cancer is something that has affected my life in many ways. I have lost family to the disease, but thankfully my wife Marianne made a full recovery.
"I want to raise as much as I can for Cancer Research UK and we are well on the way to our target, but we still need plenty more donations.
"I'm training hard, but I was knocked off my bike recently and I had to go to hospital for check-ups and could not train, but I'm getting back to full fitness now."
To sponsor the bike ride call Mr Weston, at Halfords, on (01388) 602019.
© Newsquest Media Group 2008