Cancer victim's son sets off on epic charity ride

Published on Tuesday 5 August 2008 10:34

A MOTORCYCLIST has set off on a 3500-mile charity ride around the UK in memory of his father, who died of cancer.

David O'Rourke, 35, from Bathgate, aims to travel 350 miles a day on an anti-clockwise motorbike tour of Britain's coast roads.

Joined by friends Chris Smith and Martin Allen, the trio are raising money for Marie Curie Cancer Care and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Mr O'Rourke, a customer services adviser for a Capital financial firm, and his father John shared a passion for superbikes and would often watch races together.

Mr O'Rourke and his wife Liz gave birth to their son Hayden in June last year, just a few days before John fell ill. At first he appeared to have shingles, but his condition worsened and he died on August 11.

The trio set off on Saturday, reached John O'Groats on Sunday and were due to arrive in Liverpool today. Visit http://www.justgiving.com/davidorourke to donate.