A CHARITY cycling event is returning to Darlington for a third time in aid of Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).

First held in 2019, Roland’s Ride is organised by Darlington Mowden Park Rugby Club in conjunction with SG Petch Darlington.

The event is named after Roland Walls, a friend of Mowden supporter Peter Rees, who was diagnosed with MND in early 2018 before passing away in July 2019.

Mr Rees said: "I’d known Roland for over 50 years. Following retirement, we had hoped to spend more time walking and cycling together before his diagnosis. His condition swiftly deteriorated, and we decided to set up the event to raise both funds and awareness for MND charities.

"Sadly, he passed away shortly after the first Roland’s Ride in 2019, and it has since become an annual event to help support others who are touched by the disease. I am so pleased that the event will be returning for a third time and hope it will be the biggest and best yet.”

Motor Neurone Disease affects around 5,000 people in the UK at any one time, with no known cure currently available. Former rugby internationals Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow have recently been diagnosed with the debilitating disease, with Kevin Sinfield raising over £2m for MNDA last year via his “Extra Mile” challenge.

Hillary Maddren, group leader of MNDA Hambleton and Richmond, said: “We rely heavily on donations to fund both medical research and support for those suffering from MND. Events like this are hugely important for us and we’re grateful to everyone involved for supporting us once again this year.”

This year's event is scheduled for Sunday, May 29 and will include a number of rides which start and finish at the Darlington Arena. New for this year is a 20km family ride, alongside the established 50k social and 100k elite rides to cater for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Previous events have raised over £6,000 for MND charities. Last year, around 100 riders took part, and organisers are hoping for an even bigger turnout in 2022.

Darlington Mowden Park Arena manager Danny Brown said: “We’re delighted to be able to host Roland’s Ride again this year. MNDA is a charity which is close to our hearts here at the club and we’re keen to grow the event year on year to raise as much as we can for such a worthy cause.”

Simon Rees, financial director at SG Petch, added: “SG Petch Darlington is pleased to be supporting the ride again this year. The hope is to establish the event as a regular part of the calendar and work with the local community to support MNDA in their efforts to find a cure for the disease.”

Entries for this year’s event are now open, priced at £25 per person, with all funds going direct to MNDA. For more information or to sign up online, visit https://www.sgpetch.co.uk/rolandsride