Dad cycles for charity

Friday 16 July 2010

Cardiff sprinter and Welsh international Melanie Stephenson's father Derrick has cycled 250 miles from North to South Wales to raise more than £350 for the charity Diabetes UK.

He took on this challenge as Melanie is diabetic, having been diagnosed with the Type 1 version nine years ago, when she was 13.

Melanie, who is coached by former 400m runner Mark Thomas, has to continuously monitor her blood sugar levels and it is a tribute to her determination to succeed in athletics that she has not allowed her condition to stop her.

The Holyhead to Cardiff ride took Derrick two days and he plans more fund raising in the future, hoping to complete the East - West route. If anyone wishes to support the Diabetic UK charity, visit www.justgiving.com/Derrick-Stephenson.

Derrick was joined on the gruelling ride by colleague Gary Jones who was raising money for Cancer Research UK.