A BIKE ride in aid of the trust supporting Clarets legend Gary Parkinson is set to take place later this month.

Several friends of the ex-Burnley FC right-back are planning to cycle from Middlesbrough to Bolton, stopping off at Turf Moor, to support the Gary Parky Trust. and his ongoing care

The 49-year-old, famed for scoring the goal which sealed the Division Two play-off final for the Clarets in 1994, suffered a severe stroke in September 2010.

He now requires round-the-clock care at his home in Bolton, where he returned following extensive therapy.

His condition is known as Locked-In Syndrome and he now communicates via eye movements.

A trust spokesman said: “This May Bank Holiday weekend sees our Parky Bikers push off on another three-day tour.

“This time they start at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough, before stopping at Turf Moor, Deepdale, Bloomfield Road and finally the Macron Stadium.”

The riders are expected to reach Burnley on the second day and supporters are again being urged to step out and back the sponsored ride.

Organisers are also hopeful that players and staff from the five clubs will be on hand to wish them well.

Since the trust was founded there have been a number of fundraisers undertaken by family, friends and the wider footballing community.

Gary’s son Luke took part in the Wigan 10km last September, where he met his father at the finishing line and collected £400 for the cause.Stephen Bate completed a mammoth 26 challenges for the trust, starting with a 100-mile cycle ride from Manchester, in August 2014, and ending with the Salford Triathlon the following July.

The Vintage Clarets have also taken part in a number of charity matches, where Gary and his wife has been the guest of honour. Those taking part in the latest challenge have established a JustGiving page with a £1,300 target.