AN Astley man got on his bike and cycled more than 140 miles to raise money for his diabetic wife and son.

Tony O'Malley and five other pals took part in last month's C2C bike ride challenge and cycled from Workington to Sunderland -- in aid of Diabetes UK.

Tony began fundraising for the charity five years ago when his then two-year-old son Sean was diagnosed with insulin dependant diabetes. His wife Bernie has just recently been diagnosed with the same condition.

Adventure

The 39-year old of Penketh Avenue, set off on his two wheel adventure with fellow riders Sean McCaul, Barry Sharples, Neil Calland, Steve Griffin and Neale Graham from the Irish Sea -- where they dipped the front wheels of their mountain bikes in the sea.

Two days later the intrepid six finished off their mammoth trip -- to dip the back wheels of their bikes in the North Sea, at Roker Beach in Sunderland.

They were supported by local firm Hire n' Hire who supplied a support car for drivers John Sharples and Simon Brotherston -- providing invaluable support to the six charity riders.

And the charity riders are confident they will reach their target of £5,000 for Diabetes UK.

The father-of-two told the Journal: "I've always raised money for the charity ever since my son Sean was diagnosed. He is such a brave boy who has had a tough time with the condition.

"We wanted to do something different and this appealed to the lads. The average age of the lads on the trip was 35 years old -- and some of us haven't got on a bike for 20 years, so it was always going to be tough going. But we had such a laugh. At night we all crammed into a one room place at a Youth Hostel -- we didn't complain, we just got on with it.

"We're delighted that we've managed to raise so much money. Scientists are making so many new discoveries and there is the potential that we could make the crucial breakthrough in the next 20 years to cure the condition."

Now Tony -- who has taken part in a range of crazy stunts to raise cash for the charity, including four parachute jumps -- wants to go kayaking in next year's fundraising event.

He is looking for local businesses to help with his planned adventure. Interested firms should contact Tony on 01942 871515.