Cycling vicar raises funds for Mayor’s charity

A traditional father and son bike ride has resulted in hundreds of pounds being raised for charity.

Cramlington vicar Rev. David Gray and his son Andrew have completed a lengthy bike ride annually for the past 25 years.

When Rev. Wullie Docherty, from St Nicholas’ Church, said a prayer for the cyclists before they set off on their recent coast to coast ride, Cramlington Town Mayor Loraine De Simone commented that it was an opportunity to raise funds for a good cause.

One hundred and eighty-three miles later and Rev. Gray has raised £320 for the Alzheimer’s Society, one of the charities adopted by Town Mayor Loraine for her term of office.

Rev. Gray said he was deeply moved by people’s generosity and that he is hopeful that the church will be able to form an Alzheimer’s support group. He also reflected on the joy of being able to complete the ride in his 60’s and being able to create more memories with his son.

He said: “Riding up a steep hill with a headwind is easy compared to living with Alzheimer’s.”

Father and son followed the Coast and Castles Sustrans route which lasted three days. Firstly Cramlington to Berwick, then Berwick to Galashiels and the final leg ended in Edinburgh.

Town Mayor Loraine thanked David for his efforts saying: “I am delighted to pass the money on to the Alzheimer’s Society. This disease affects more and more people every year and the work carried out by this charity is essential.”

Pictured: Town Mayor Loraine De Simone congratulates Rev. Gray for completing the fund-raising bike ride and, inset, David and Andrew on one of their first rides and also on their most recent one.