Postman rides 230 miles in 16 hours in schoolboy's memory

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A grandfather, who was touched by the strength of a South Tyneside family after the death of their youngest son, got on his bike to raise cash in his memory.

Steve Laws cycled the Coast-to-Coast route, from his home in South Shields to Workington, in Cumbria, and back in one day in support of the Cruse Crew’s fundraising efforts in aid of Cruse Bereavement Care Tyneside.

The Royal Mail postman clocked up 230 miles and chose the group after being inspired by the work of work colleague Alfie Leggett, Susan Clarkson and their two sons James and Thomas.

The family are part of the Cruse Crew, who have been raising funds to enable the charity to bring its children and young people’s bereavement support service to South Tyneside, after the death of their son Jack, nine.

Until the service was launched in April, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the group, families had to travel to the charity’s base in Newcastle.

Now they can receive the support in Cleadon Park PCT, Prince Edward Road, South Shields.

I knew I couldn’t give up as I was doing it for such a great cause.
Steve Laws

Mr Laws from West Avenue, South Shields, said: “I’m a dad and grandfather and saw what Alfie and his family went through after losing Jack. I can’t imagine how that would feel.

“I’ve said I would do something but knew it had to be a big challenge as I’ve done the Coast-to-Coast before so decided to do it in one day – there and back.

“It was really hard. It really hurt your back and neck, but I couldn’t give up, as I was doing it for such a great cause. Everything they’ve done is really inspirational and that kept me going. “

Mr Laws set off at 2.30am and arrived back at his home address at 9.30pm.

[DB1100]

Brilliant,well done a great effort.