A FATHER-OF-TWO is planning a 1,000-mile bike ride to raise cash for a women's refuge in Darlington.
Mark Matthews, 41, of Middlesbrough, is in training for a two-week ride from Land's End to John O'Groats at the end of August.
He hopes to raise a minimum of £10,000 in sponsorship for the Family Help refuge and is urging local businesses to support him.
Mr Matthews, programme manager at Sure Start North Road, Darlington, said: "I have been a very keen cyclist most of my life and I have always fancied doing the end to end.
"I wanted to raise money while I was doing it and I chose the refuge because a number of parents who use Sure Start have said how marvellous it is.
"I'm hoping a lot of solicitors in the town who deal with domestic violence victims will sponsor me. Sure Start is sponsoring me a £1-a-mile and I'm hoping other businesses and groups will help."
Anyone interesting in sponsoring Mr Matthews can call (01325) 289828 or (01325) 487718.
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