Thomas gears up for 100 mile bike ride

Grateful dad Thomas Gamby is in serious training mode as he gears himself up for this year's challenging Prudential RideLondon 100. It will be the fourth year Thomas, from Leigh, has taken part in the event which takes cyclists 100 miles from the Surrey countryside to the heart of London.

Once again he will be raising money for Southend University Hospital's special care baby unit, in gratitude for the care his partner Caroline Quirke and son Theodore, born six weeks prematurely, received. He explains: "We knew Caroline would not go full term and the care we received throughout her pregnancy was excellent."

Theodore spent 10 days in the unit back in July 2014 but is now a thriving, energetic two- year-old who keeps his parents on their toes.

Thomas says: "We had great care from consultant Debbie Jennings and the nursing staff. They reassured us and were always there if we had questions – so it was an easy choice to opt to raise money for them when I enrolled in the RideLondon event."

In previous rides Thomas has raised around £1,675 and he is hoping to give that total a big boost this year.

To support Thomas, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising /Thomas-Gamby2017