A GROUP of neighbours from one Chawson street have taken part in a sponsored cycle ride to raise money for a charity close to their hearts.

The cycle ride was organised by 37-year-old Anthony Grater, who lives on St Joseph’s Close with his father James, who suffers from Motor Neurone Disease.

Mr Grater had wanted to do something to help his father, but it wasn’t until December of last year that he found out about the Motor Neurone Disease Association, and decided to try and raise some money.

Together with six of his neighbours who were already keen cyclists: Alan Fellows, Wil Dixon-Lenton, Rob Smith, Gary Dallaway, and Pete and Anne Hegan-Smith, Mr Grater cycled from Morrisons in Droitwich, where he works, to Morrisons in Bromsgrove and back.

Between them the group managed to raise an impressive £912 for the charity.

Mr Grater said: “I was always going to do something to try and raise money, and they’ve all been cycling for years, so they just did the bike ride, whereas I had to do a bit of training because I haven’t cycled for a few years. Once I got into it though, it wasn’t too bad.”

Mr Grater’s father was diagnosed with the disease three years ago, and has recently had to move into a home.

He added: “The disease affects all your muscles, your throat muscles and voice and speech and everything, so I can’t really communicate with him very well anymore, but I think he was pleased.”

If anyone would like to donate to the Motor Neurone disease Association, they can visit mndassociation.org/.