A professional footballer from Darlington is to take on a charity bike ride in memory of his father who died unexpectedly aged 53.

Alan Jones died of a heart attack six months ago, leaving family and friends devastated.

One of his sons, Bobby Jones, a goalkeeper with Stockport County, is to take on a 115-mile cycle challenge later this month to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.

Starting on Saturday, June 17, he will cycle from his home in Wigan back to the family home in Middleton St George, near Darlington, which he expects will take two days.

Bobby said: “I have decided to do a bike ride in memory of my dad and to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

“Me and my family lost our amazing dad just after Christmas due to a heart attack he suffered at home. This came as a massive shock to us all and we were all heartbroken about it and still are.

“He was simply the best. the kindest, the funniest and the most caring dad and husband to me, my mum and three siblings.

“Any donations would be greatly appreciated and it would mean the world to me and my family to raise money in memory of our amazing Dad.”

Bobby's target is to raise £5,000 and at the time of writing sponsorship has topped £4,200.

He spent last season with Stockport and has previously been with Wigan Athletic and Fylde, for whom he played against Darlington last season at Blackwell Meadows.

His brother, Ryan, is a Quakers fan and a volunteer photographer at matches.

You can sponsor Bobby here.