Father and son in cycle ride for others

They are among a handful of people who have taken part in all nine previous events, raising hundreds of pounds for leukaemia research.

"Matthew, who is autistic and will shortly be 16 years of age, was only just able to reach the pedals the first year we took part," said Tony, of St Georges Road, Wallasey.

"But we understand that many people are less fortunate than ourselves - if our efforts help one child to live an extra week then that is worthwhile."

Organisers are hoping that this year's Bikeathon - the biggest annual cycling occasion of its kind on the peninsula - will raise a record £85,000.

That is the amount needed to bring the total raised by the event in 10 years to a remarkable £500,000 in aid of Leukaemia Research.

The Bikeathon has set new records in each of the last nine years, including 12 months ago when the total reached the £59,000 mark.

Already, this year's event, to be held on Sunday, June 8, is attracting a huge number of entries and organisers hope that as many as 1,500 people of all ages and abilities will line up on the big day.

The event will again start and end in Arrowe Country Park, Upton.

The 26-mile route follows a figure of eight course through the Wirral peninsula with two sections each of about 13 miles combining public highways and off-road along the scenic Wirral Way.

Cyclists can elect to ride one or both sections.

Each cyclist receives a fundraising pack and a free T-shirt and a commemorative medal awaits each finisher.

Free refreshments will be available at checkpoints and more than 80 marshals will be stationed along the route.

Both Raynet and St John's Ambulance will be in attendance and K-Cycles, of Eastham, and The Bike Shop, Moreton, will be on hand to help provide any running repairs.

Application packs, can be obtained by going to www.wirralbikeathon.org.uk or by calling 632-0548 or 632-6619.