Charity cycling champ back in saddle for Nepal ride

David Ridley has completed a number of gruelling bike rides across the globe to raise cash for charity.

Normally the 52-year-old is accompanied by his friend David Sinclair.

But in October the financial adviser will be riding 430km across Nepal for The Openwork Foundation Cares 4 Kids appeal – which will help victims of the 2015 earthquake disaster.

However, this time he’ll be joined by David’s daughter, and work colleague, Sam Sinclair, 20, from Hebburn, due to her dad’s ill health.

David said: “Sam has decided to continue the tradition by taking her dad’s place.

“This time we want to help those who have been affected by the earthquake.

“In the past we’ve helped build schools and orphanages in other countries, so whatever we raise the charity will decide which is the most important issue which needs addressing.”

Mr Ridley who has lost three-and-a-half stone since he began gym training before Christmas believes this trek will be tougher due to the mountainous terrain.

To start their fundraising mission, a charity night will be held at the Queen Vic in Victoria Road, South Shields, on Friday from 7.30pm and it will feature rock legend Bernie Torme.

The guitarist rose to fame in the late 1970s after he was asked to join the band Gillan by former Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan. Since then he has played with rocker Ozzy Osbourne.

Tickets cost £10 and are available from the venue or from Jump in Fowler Street, South Shields.