Memory of Bill burns brightly

THE triumphant group made their nostalgic trip to celebrate the memory of cancer sufferer Bill Watson. Pictured are James Watson, Bobby Greenwood, Mike Ralph, Steve Walton, Nick Wilson, Patrick Gardiner, Sam Wiggett, Alan Marsden, Matthew Jackson, Simon Tait and Peter Soward

A loyal team of friends has more than doubled its fundraising target after completing a gruelling marathon cycle ride.

The triumphant cyclists made their nostalgic trip to celebrate the memory of cancer victim Bill Watson.

Bill’s son James and friend Mike Ralph (49) headed the team on a 120-mile trek from Newcastle to Edinburgh, to coincide with the Scotland v Ireland Six Nations match at Murrayfield.

Initially the team - many whom have lost family or friends to cancer - set themselves a £5,000 target for Macmillan and the local Quiet Ones charity.

But at the end of their journey the team announced a figure of almost £12,000, counting other events.

James (29), a joiner from Delph, said: “It was tough in parts, but everybody made it!

He added: “The response has been astonishing. Our fundraising events were all equally successful and spread awareness of the important work these two charities do, especially The Quiet Ones who are widely unknown to most people.”

The Quiet Ones helps laryngectomy patients - left without vocal chords, hence the nane - to recover their lives. Bill helped the charity until he fell to further tumours. He died a year ago, a week before his 61st birthday.

To contribute online visit: www.justgiving. com/Newcastletoedinburgh