Delph Donkeys ride into Versailles

MADE it! Delph Donkeys in Versailles. From left, Boris Cockayne, Heiri Nussle , James and John Cockayne

FOUR riders calling themselves the Delph Donkeys have completed a 250-mile charity ride which took them across the English Channel.

The quartet, which includes two brothers originally from Saddleworth, performed their feat from Westerham, Kent, to the French Palace of Versailles, last week in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

The charity is close to James and John Cockayne’s heart after their dad Jack (56) suffered a fatal heart attack in 1997. James (38), also a keen marathon runner, revealed the secret of mastering the hills in France was through their upbringing in Saddleworth.

He said: “I think riding as youngsters where we lived stood us in good stead.

“I have taken part in several events over the years for the BHF since dad died, including the London Marathon and various bike rides.”

The siblings were joined by friend Heiri Nussle and John’s son Boris on the trip.

Now the brothers’ mum, Brenda, a florist from Dobcross, is holding a sale in aid of BHF at The Flower Shop, High Street, Uppermill, this Sunday.