THREE time Darlington FC manager, Dave Hodgson, is set to take part in a charity bike ride from London to Amsterdam to raise funds for a prostate cancer charity.

Hundreds of representatives from football clubs across the country are set to take part in the event, for the charity Men United.

Hodgson managed Quakers in 1995 and again between 1996 and 2000 and from 2003 to 2006.

Gateshead-born Hodgson began his playing career with Middlesbrough in 1978 and also played for Sunderland, Liverpool and French side Metz.

He will be tackling the 145-mile route as a representative of Middlesbrough FC, alongside former players Steve Vickers and Neil Maddison.

Research shows that one in eight men in the UK will be affected by prostate cancer in their lifetime, and the riders are aiming to raise £1,000 each to spread awareness and raise funds.

Speaking about the ride, Hodgson said: “I was contacted by Middlesbrough and offered the chance to represent them, and naturally, I jumped at the chance.

“As I played for Boro and they are in the North-East, I’m delighted to represent the region in raising money and awareness about prostate cancer.”

The event will take place on June 12 through to June 14, starting in London and ending 145 miles later at Ajax’s stadium in Amsterdam.

While Mr Hodgson accepts that the ride will be challenging, he said looking forward to it.

He added: “I do charity rides regularly, but this will be the first time I’ll have done 70 odd miles back to back.

“As the route’s pretty flat, hopefully it’ll be ok.”

He won’t be off the saddle for long either.

“I do one big bike ride every year to raise funds for others affected by cancer," he said. "I’m looking to do another event before October.”

Mr Hodgson and Mr Vickers took part in a charity bike ride for Marie Curie Cancer Care together in 2013.