A CHARITY bike ride in memory of a young boy who died after contracting a rare blood disease has raised more than£5,000.

Family friend Mandy Holberry and her husband David were inspired to organise the event after four-year-old Guy Metcalfe, who was in remission from leukaemia, was diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).

The youngster, who lived with his parents Tracey and James in Malton, was diagnosed with T-Cell leukaemia in August 2014, and underwent intensive chemotherapy, but died in October.

Mandy, who lives in Norton and is in remission from breast cancer, has organised a number of fundraising events, decided to organise a coast to coast bike ride to raise funds for the children’s charity Make A Wish.

The team, which included David's work colleagues from Flamingo Land, set off from Whitehaven, in Cumbria, reaching Sunderland two days later – a route of 160 miles.

David said: “It seemed like a great idea at the time but in reality was one of the most difficult things any of us had ever done, but our team spirit, camaraderie and the determination to raise money for our chosen charity provided all the motivation we needed to succeed.

“Life can be tough, and the children and their families affected by such challenging circumstances are in a far worse situation than we were even with our aching bodies, tired limbs and sore bottoms.

"It’s about giving a little bit back, doing your bit to help others and being part of a team. We would all recommend signing up for a challenge like this and being part of something very special.”

The team also included Jay Burnley, Sam de Belle, Christine Bulmer, Alex McClements, Matt Gilbert, Juliette Pearson, John Green, Leah Hodsman, Tina Docherty, Stewart Bulmer, Aaron Bulmer, Brett Johnson and support vehicle drivers Fiona Kerr and Louise Hodsman.

Sarah Mills, director of marketing at Flamingo Land, said: “We are very proud of them all and it seems like the hills of the North of England provided a wild ride and important personal challenge for them all. It’s great to see such team spirit amongst our staff."