FRIENDS and colleagues of a popular cyclist seriously hurt in a mountain bike accident are supporting him by taking on a fundraising challenge.

Geoff Proffitt, 53, from Northallerton, fell while going down a track at Sheepwash, near Osmotherley, in November last year.

He suffered spinal damage and was airlifted to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough by an RAF Sea King helicopter.

Now friends and colleagues at Jacobs in Northallerton, where Mr Proffitt has worked since November 2010 as a chartered senior engineer, are raising money to support his ongoing care.

A group of 23 cyclists supported by ten volunteers will set off tomorrow to tackle the 175-mile Hadrian's Cycleway, which stretches the length of Hadrian's Wall.

They aim to finish on Sunday in South Shields.

Mr Proffitt was an active rider in the Hambleton Road Club.

More information on the fund set up to support Mr Proffitt and his family is available at www.cyclingforproffitt.co.uk

People can donate online or by contacting info@cyclingforproffitt.co.uk