Michael heads off on 300-mile two-wheel trek in cousin's memory (From Warrington Guardian)

Michael heads off on 300-mile two-wheel trek in cousin's memory

3:28pm Thursday 22nd March 2012 in News

A PADGATE man will cycle to Plymouth in memory of an 18-year-old relative who died from a muscle disease.

Michael Elkington, of Northolt Court, will take on the 300-mile ride on April 4 to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

His cousin and Plymouth resident Christoper Morton lost his life to the fatal disease which causes muscles to waste as a teenager.

Michael said: “The charity gave him the best possible life he could have. All of the support they gave made it easier for the family, so I just wanted to raise some money to say thanks.”

The keen cyclist will do the bike ride with partner Nikki in tribute to Christoper who he calls an ‘inspiration’.

“He was a really big part of our house,” said the 29-year-old.

“He would play football with us and go in goal in his wheelchair and not think anything of it.

“Christoper kind of knew, but would always have a smile and make us laugh.

“He never showed his emotion, he held back because he knew we would all get upset.

“The only thing was he knew he’d be leaving his mum and younger brothers and they were really close. He didn’t want to leave them behind.”

Christoper, who loved trips to the seaside and playing pool, died in 1998.

Carer Michael said he had been planning to do a charity event when he first thought of the bike ride.

He has since been running four miles a day and cycling for eight hours on a Saturday at Lymm dam and Walton Gardens.

“I wanted to do something for charity and as a challenge to myself, but didn’t know what,” he said.

“This seems like a good way of giving something back.”

l To sponsor Michael go to justgiving.com/michael-elkington.