KENDAL is rallying around one of its sporting heroes to help raise funds after he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

The George Melling Bike Ride was put on and hosted by Kendal Town FC in honour of their former player.

George joined members of the club on a weekend long bike ride which was part of a series of fundraising charitable events the club was taking part in.

The Chorley born footballer was a player for Kendal between 2009 and 11.

The event involved between seven and eight hours of cycling a day, covering an estimated 80 miles a day.

In total the group covered nearly 300 miles from Friday to Sunday.

George said: “It went brilliantly. We all had a really good laugh all day.

“All the guys there were amazing as well.

“It must have been about 290 miles we covered at least, probably more.

“Over the three days we had some predictive times that we beat by a good hour which was fantastic.

“I think everyone did really well along the eight-hour days we had of cycling.”

The riders set off from Kendal Town’s grounds on May 14, travelling to grounds of Lancaster City, Bamber Bridge and Coppull United.

Saturday saw them ride from Altringham FC grounds to Northwich, Leek Town and finally stopping at Macclesfield.

The final day saw them complete the route at Longride Town after visiting Ashton and Nelson.

George added: “We did really well. I want to thank everyone who donated, and especially Mark Fell for organising a lot of this.

“The fundraising is going so well. It’s nearly £12,000 so far. I just can’t thank people enough. It just means so much to me and my family. Thank you, guys.”