Morecambe to Bridlington bike ride to raise funds for Alder Hey

Three business professionals will cycle from coast to coast this week to raise funds for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in memory of their good friend.

Andy Webster, consultant working with Preston-headquartered chartered accountants and business advisors MHA Moore and Smalley, has organised the ride, which will begin in Morecambe on Thursday (May 20).

He will be joined by Mark Day and Paul Roberts. The three friends, supported by Phil Evans, will cycle 170 miles (274km) to Bridlington over three days.

They will ride in memory of their friend Matt Dunham who died last summer. Raising money for Alder Hey was a cause close to Matt’s heart after his son Christian was treated at the hospital as a child.

Andy said: “Last summer, our great friend and co-cyclist Matt died suddenly having just been out on his bike. His wife Sue has kindly agreed for us to cycle in his memory.

“Matt loved the challenge, camaraderie and real ale from our trips cycling across the country and he always led from the front in his own inimitable style.

“He was gutted to miss out a couple of years ago due to injury, but still turned up at our departure to wish us bon voyage and give us some words of wisdom. He will be greatly missed but certainly not forgotten. We will raise our pints to him as a mark of absolute respect for a very fine man.”

The three riders are Andy Webster, of MHA Moore and Smalley; Mark Day of Dalesview Partnership and Paul Roberts, managing director of Cunliffes. They will be helped by support vehicle driver Phil Evans, formerly of RBS and now working in executive travel.

Andy, Mark and Paul are aiming to raise £2,500 via their Virgin Money Giving page.

Picture caption: (L-R) Phil Evans, Andy Webster, Matt’s business partner John Dean, Mark Day, Paul Roberts