A GROUP of police officers took part in a gruelling 127-mile cycle challenge in aid of a colleague.

Officers from Team four immediate response at Blackburn Police attempted to cycle from the Leeds to Liverpool canal in 24 hours yesterday (Monday).

They took part in the ride for friend and colleague Dave Fairhurst, who is a serving police officer in the firearms department.

Recently, Dave was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves and can cause muscle weakness.

It has prompted colleagues to raise money to help his family get the vital equipment Dave needs to live his life to the full.

The challenge saw officers travel to towns including Blackburn and Chorley.

Officers started the ride at 2am on Monday and were due to complete it in the early hours of this morning.

Nick Hagan, who set up the fundraising page to raise money for Dave, said: “We will be completing the ride in aid of a friend and colleague Dave Fairhurst who is a serving police officer in the firearms department.

“It was with great sadness to us all to hear that Dave was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

“Dave is married to Lynsey who is also a police officer and they have two beautiful girls Matilda and Anabelle.

“As you can imagine Dave will need a massive amount of help in terms funding for equipment to assist him in trying to live his life to the full.

“The funds raised from our event will go directly to Dave’s family to put towards this vital equipment. “

The group of police officers have raised over £5,000 for charity in two years.

They also completed the same ride in November 2016 but this was over a two-day period.

Nick added: “As a group we have raised over £5000 for charity in two years.

“It means a lot to us this time to raise money for one of our own who is closely connected to many us .

“As police officers both Lynsey and Dave have spent their careers helping people and putting themselves out for others.

“It would mean a lot to us to give something back and ensure that Dave gets the vital help that he needs.

“Thankyou for giving.”

To donate, visit the fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nick-hagan-leeds-liverpool2?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialSignIn

The fundraising page shows the officers have currently raised £750.