ROWERS are to cycle the length of the country in memory of a popular coach who died tragically.

Bill Grant was coaching Durham Amateur Rowing Club (DARC) members on the River Wear in Durham City from his bicycle on the riverbanks when he suffered a suspected heart attack and fell into the water on Saturday, February 28.

The 67-year-old retired jeweller from Cleadon, near South Shields, died, leaving a wife and three children.

Now four DARC members are to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats in his memory, to raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance that came to his aid and his beloved DARC.

The 1,000-mile challenge will take place between July 21 and August 1.

Elliott Kay, one of the cyclists, said: “We are cycling to honour the hard work done by the Great North Air Ambulance and all those involved.”

Money will be split equally between the two causes. To make a donation, visit justgiving.com/teams/DARC