A TEAM of cyclists have raised over £1,000 in memory of young Haydon Bridge swimmer Daniel Rushton.

Tynedale's sporting world was devastated in January when the talented swimmer was killed in a road accident in Newcastle, at the age of just 20.

Last week, family friend Steven Porrett led a team of cyclists on a 60-mile bike ride from Allendale to Sunderland, via Consett.

Steven was joined by fellow cyclists Norman Bates, Paul Henderson, and Sean Morse.

Fellow team member Stephen Schollick had to withdraw after breaking a thumb while cycling the previous week.

All proceeds will go to Tiny Lives, the charity which supports premature and sick newborn babies at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.

The charity is close to the hearts of the Rushton family, for Daniel was a premature baby.

Steven said: "There's a few of us who try and do a cycling event every year for a different charity, and we wanted to do this in Daniel's memory.

"The money will be put to good use by Tiny Lives. It means a lot because Daniel was a premature baby, and so was my daughter Chloe."

The team set off from Allendale's Forge Studios at 9am on Saturday August 13, and reached Roker Pier in Sunderland before 5pm.

The riders were joined along the route by others who completed a smaller section of the ride.

They included Daniel Rushton's brother, Connor; and Steven Porrett's daughter Chloe (16); who joined up for the final stretch, at the Waskerley Way.

Another rider was Lucy, the five-year-old daughter of Zoe Bell, the owner of Allendale Forge Studio, who managed to cycle 15-miles.

Steven added: "It's a shame Steven Schollick was unable to take part, as he really wanted to.

"However, it was special to have Connor Rushton among the cyclists, and also to have Daniel and Connor's mum Lisa present on the day too."

Daniel's untimely death came less than six years after he swam 1,400 lengths of Haltwhistle's outdoor pool, the equivalent distance of swimming the English Channel.

He went on to become a well-respected swimming coach and lifeguard.

In addition to the money raised via the cyclist's individual sponsorship forms, an online fundraising page has now been set up.

To donate, visit

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Steven-Porrett2.