TWO former St Gregory’s Catholic High School pupils were inspired to help the struggling families of those who are suffering from alcohol and substance addiction following the death of their friend and stepbrother.

Michael Hall and Michael Wallace, from Padgate and Penketh respectively, have completed a gruelling 150-mile cycling challenge in memory of David Kinney, who died in March after struggling with substance abuse at the age of 33.

The pair raised £2,505 for Footsteps 2000 Ltd – a small organisation working in Warrington and St Helens to provide support to friends and family members who are affected by someone else’s substance misuse

Michael Wallace, who is a keen cyclist, had been trying to persuade his friend to complete a cycling challenge for some time.

But it was following David’s death that Michael Hall vowed to take on the challenge as he wanted to raise funds for the charity which is close to his heart as it is a lifeline to many people.

He said “Footsteps offer a very valuable service, and something that you would think would be rolled out more. The charity is small but they’re doing great work every day.

“These are people who bend over backwards struggling to help their loved ones with very little support themselves.

“We hope that this ride would not only raise funds but would help to do away with some of the stigma attached to drug and alcohol abuse.”

David’s parents were touched that the two men wanted to take on such a demanding challenge in David’s memory, with Michael Hall describing the response from his friends and family as ‘humbling’.

Cycling in temperatures exceeding 30°C, the two Michaels completed 75 miles on June 30 to to Bishop’s Castle in Shropshire, before riding back home to Warrington the next day.

To donate to the cause visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mike-wallace-1 or for more information about Footsteps 2000 Ltd visit footstepsforfamilies.org.uk.