Bik-hearted bikers go on fundraising trail for battling Wearside youngsters

A convoy of big-hearted bikers are gearing to go the extra mile in aid of a trio of battling youngsters.

A 21-strong squad of charitable cyclists are saddled up for an energy-sapping three-day coast-to-coast trek - from Barrow-in-Furness to Roker Beach - to raise precious cash for a pair of Wearside families.

The riders set off on the 152-mile fundraising trail on Friday and will be stretching every sinue for 15-year-old twins Thomas and Jack Ferry, who have faced a series of health battles since being born weighing just 3lb between them, and eight-year-old Phillip Scott, who has cerebal palsy.

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Organiser John McDonough is determined to keep on pedalling for the three brave youngsters.

The money raised on the Walney to Wearside (W2W) will help the families meet ongoing care needs.

Mr McDonough said: “The bike ride is coast to coast, from Barrow-in-Furness on the West Coast to Roker Beach. It will cover 152 miles.

“We want to raise as much money as we can for both families.

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“The money raised will go directly to them and will be used to purchase medical equipment that they need, plus physiotherapy costs.”

Phillip Scott, from Silksworth, was born at 28 weeks with fluid on the brain.

He has four limb spastic cerebral palsy which affects his entire body and means he needs round-the-clock care and help with his day-to-day activities.

Thomas Ferry, who lives in Southwick with parents David and Helen and brother Jack, also suffers from cerebral palsy and is profoundly death.

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While he is proudly independent, he also relies on the care and support of his loving parents.

His twin brother Jack has also had to fight every inch of the way since birth.

He has severe learning difficulties, visual and hearing impairments and suffers from epilepsy.

The team of cyclists are due to complete their voyage on Sunday when they set two wheels back in Wearside at Roker Beach.