Cyclists raise thousands in memory of Sunderland dad

Sixty-five cyclists pedalled the 52 mile route which took them from Nenthead which is in Cumbria, back to Wearside.

They did it in memory of Antony Outhwaite, who passed away in 2015 aged 44.

The former taxi driver lost his fight for his life after he suffered from a blood clot in his main artery.

Since then, his wife and mum of three, Jayne Outhwaite has continued to raise awareness.

And she has gone further by also raising mony for worthy causes in her husband’s memory.

The latest was the bike ride which was sponsored by Station Taxis and Steven Mulvaney Builders. The event is now in its second year and organisers are confident that it is set to raise more than the £6245 raised in 2015.

It will be split between the British Heart Foundation as well as the Coronary Care Unit at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

Jayne, 43, praised everyone who gave their backing to this year’s sponsored ride.

She added: “I would like to thank this year’s riders and everyone who has helped and donated. We are still busy collecting and counting the money that has been raised and we are set to smash what we raised last year.”

The ride was followed by an charity night, which was held at The Point in Sunderland and saw more than 300 people turn up.

Local businesses donated prizes for the raffle and auction, which took place on the night.

They included signed Sunderland shirts and a signed Tony Jeffries Olympic shirt.

Jayne has supported worthy causes ever since her husband Antony passed away. The devoted dad complained of indigestion and was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital.

He passed out as the car taking him to medical treatment pulled in to the hospital car park before a team of 27 health staff tried their best to save him, said Jayne.

But tragic Antony lost his fight for life, leaving his wife and children Zack, Stephanie, and Ellie.

It was later determined he had died from a blood clot in his main artery.