A FAMILY who tackled a 200-mile cycle ride from Edinburgh to Newcastle in memory of their late father and raised £7,000 for Diabetes UK, has won a volunteering award from the charity.

The Perry family, of Oakleigh View, Baildon, won the fundraising award at the charity’s regional Inspire Awards for their completion of a challenge set by dad Michael Perry.

Mr Perry, who was diagnosed with Type One diabetes when he was 18, was a keen cyclist and was planning to undertake the 200 mile cycle challenge on his 52nd birthday to raise money for Diabetes UK.

Tragically, he died unexpectedly before that could take place.

After his death, Mr Perry's 18-year-old son, Isaac took on the ride with the support of his sister, Libby and boyfriend Oli Smith, his mother Anita Perry, close friends Paul and Lynne Smithson, along with four friends at Woodhouse Grove School, Apperley Bridge, as a tribute to his father.

Despite not riding a bike in more than ten years and studying for his A-levels at the same time, Isaac was determined to raise as much money as possible to improve the lives of people with diabetes.

Stephen Ryan, head of the North of England at Diabetes UK, said: “Completing the journey that Michael started is an incredible feat and something the whole family can be proud of.

"We are extremely grateful the Perry family for all their commitment to raising money for diabetes.

"It is a tremendous achievement to raise £7,000 so we would like to say an enormous thank you to them.

Mrs Perry said: “Isaac rode his dad’s bike and it the only bike that we did not have problems with so we think Michael must have been looking down on him all the way.”

"We are really delighted and honoured to have won.

"Michael was passionate about raising money for Diabetes UK because of the wonderful support they gave him. I still can’t believe we did it!

Diabetes UK has 883 registered volunteers in the Northern and Yorkshire region, many of which also belong to the charity’s 27 local support groups.

To find out more about becoming a volunteer for Diabetes UK or to join a local support group, please email northyorks@diabetes.org.uk or call 01325 488606.