Wirral men ride 150 miles for Paul Lavelle Foundation

Over three days, starting today (May 5) Craig Pennington (39) from Future Yard, Mathew Lomas (37), Neil Morrisey (40), Phil Murray from Utopia (37), Craig Reilly (37), Lee Pennington from Open Door (37) and Doug Wilson (37) will be riding coast to coast from Whitehaven on the Irish-sea coast to Tynemouth in Newcastle.

The 150-mile ride is raising funds for the Wirral-based charity, the Paul Lavelle Foundation.

The foundation was set up by 50 friends of Paul Lavelle in May 2017 after his death. The charity raises awareness of domestic abuse towards men and delivers community well-being activity groups in the form of walking, running, swimming and cycling groups. 

Craig said: "We do a ride each year as a fundraiser and we want to make positive changes in Birkenhead. 

"The ride is literally across the country. It's a bigger ride than normal. Last year our ride was a little bit shorter, so this is a step up.

"Cautiously excited is a good way to describe how we feel but it will be good fun."

The group ready to set off this morning (May 5) (Image: Craig Pennington)

Alongside the foundation, Craig explained that the group is riding in memory of their good friend Dava Finnigan whose birthday is on May 4.

Craig said: "Dava was a huge sports fan so we are riding for him as well.

"We are sure he would have been with us on the ride if he could, but instead he will be laughing his head off wherever he is as we struggle our way up the mountain.

"We just want to show that sport and setting yourself challenges is a powerful thing and you can do it at any point in your life.

"From a personal point of view, I had a hip re-surface in January so it's 17 weeks since I had that done so I'm excited to see how it holds up."

So far, the group has raised over £2,000, which Craig says is "great" as it is raising money for a "local cause".

You can donate here.