A YEADON man is getting in the saddle and cycling almost 70 miles, visiting 16 primary schools across North Yorkshire to help to raise some vital funds for Martin House Children's Hospice.

Gavin Phillis, who has taken part in numerous sporting activities this year - including the Leeds Half Marathon and the London Marathon - has been inspired to help a number of charities after he and his family were given amazing support after the tragic loss of his one-day-old daughter Esme in October 2015.

Mr Phillis delivers the School Games programme across the Craven district for North Yorkshire Sport, sets off on the cycling challenge tomorrow (Friday,May 26). It will see Gavin and his team visit 2,300 primary school students who will be taking part in their own cycling themed events during the day.

Some schools have set challenges for the students to attempt, such as the Tour de Greatwood which involves setting up a stationary bike and getting the children to keep the bike going throughout the day. Whereas other schools are planning to get some cycle instructors in to do some cycle training with the students.

A support car will be driving ahead of 'the peloton' and will be notifying each school of the cyclists' arrival. The schools will then wait outside the front gates to welcome them with their guestbook, where Mr Phillis will take photos with the school staff and students to mark the memorable occasion.

Mr Phillis said: "I am really excited to take part in this fantastic event to help raise some vital funds for a truly amazing charity.

"Martin House Children's Hospice provided my family and I with some essential bereavement support during one of the toughest periods of our lives and for that we will be eternally grateful.

"As expected it's been an extremely emotional couple of years but we have met some amazing people along the way and I am beyond proud that my little girl and her story has brought so many people together to help raise money and awareness for a charity that supports so many."

The route will take in some of the 2014 Tour de France Grand Départ and subsequent Tour de Yorkshire routes and the estimated money raised is between £2,000 and £3,000.

Planning is now well underway for the second Esme Memorial golf tournament that will take place on Friday, July 14. Sponsor Gavin by visiting his JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/G-PHILLIS