A WIRRAL man is to cycle more than 300 miles in 24 hours to say thank you to a charity that helped him and his family.

Richard Tarbuck, from Neston, will ride 310 miles from Newcastle to London in aid of Ronald McDonald House, the 'home away from home' for families who have children being treated at Arrowe Park Hospital.

It was home to Richard and wife Kathleen in 2012 after twin daughters Elle and Sophie were born prematurely and in need of intensive neo-natal care.

The couple stayed free of charge at the Ronald McDonald House for a month while doctors and nurses cared for their poorly children a short walk away on the nearby ward. They are now happy and healthy toddlers. 

A testing route will see Richard cycle from Newcastle, through the Yorkshire Hills and across the English countryside before arriving in the capital. He will be joined by hundreds of cyclists as part of an organised event called Ride24.

The 310 mile route will be broken down into seven stages and there will be rest stops, as well as food and drink, at the end of each leg.

Richard, 31, said: "We desperately wanted to stay near our little girls when they were in hospital. A daily journey from our home would have been difficult and the expense of staying at a hotel would have been another worry.

"As you can imagine, we were so grateful to be given a room at the Ronald McDonald House where we could stay absolutely free-of-charge and for as long as we needed.

"I'm really pleased to be able to support the House and say thank you in some way for the help they gave us.

"I’m steadily working to improve my fitness in the run up to the cycle ride and am now covering over 100 miles on my practice rides and have lost over 20lbs in weight.

"I've also taken part in a handful of shorter fundraising cycle rides. This latest one, however, is a challenge on a whole new level.

"I'll be nursing some sore body parts after everything’s over – but it will be worth it!"

Richard has set up a Virgin Money Giving page for donations: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Cycling488milesforRMHCArrowePark2015

For more information on Ronald McDonald House Arrowe Park visit www.rmhc.org.uk/arrowepark