A DOCTOR has is is swapping his stethoscope for his bike as he embarks on 500 miles for a youth homeless charity.

Fifty-year-old Richard Hixson, who works in Darlington, had planned to ride the north coast of Scotland but with coronavirus, he has adjusted his route to take in the beauty spots of Yorkshire and the North East over just six days.

The father of two has been training since January, mainly by commuting to work, and his adapted route will take in Harrogate, Reeth, Hamsterley, Staithes, Hutton-le-Hole, Seaham.

Dr Hixson chose to fundraise for Centrepoint, a charity which supports homeless young people, because of struggles in his own life.

“When I was a teenager, my parents lost their house and I spent my first summer back from university living in a room above a taxi company and nightclub with no hot water. I was there almost 3 months and never forgot the feelings of uncertainty it induced in me.

“I hadn’t really enjoyed by first year at medical school but had nowhere else to go so went back, graduated and then carried on to train in anaesthesia and critical care. As a result, I now lead a privileged lifestyle but I still have never forgotten just how easy it is to go from stability to vulnerability.”

“It was on a trip to London last year that Centrepoint crossed my mind. I just couldn’t fathom how we could still have such inequality with wealth being possessed by such a small ground of individuals who have the power at their fingertips to change the world. The ride was a opportunity to help the goals of the charity.”

At least 4136 young people across the North East approached their local authority for help last year because they were homeless or at risk of homelessness, according to findings from Centrepoint’s annual Youth Homelessness Databank report.

During the coronavirus pandemic, support has become even more vital.

Chloe Skyes, Regional Fundraising Manager at Centrepoint, said: “We are so thankful for Richard’s support, it is amazing he has found time to help support Centrepoint and train whilst working in critical care during a pandemic.

“Even as lockdown eases the future looks uncertain. For the homeless young people we support, this uncertainty can be extremely triggering and cause financial and emotional stress. We need to provide stability and it’s impossible for us to do this without the help of our supporters.”