Four amateur cyclists with links to Stone have completed a 205 mile ride from Stoke to the Isle of Wight, raising more than £4,100 so far for Andy’s Man Club.
Dan Williams, who lives on Udall Grange in Stone, took on the challenge with his brothers Damian Williams and Tom Middleton, and their friend Connor Leek, who also lives on Udall Grange.
The group set off on Friday 26 June and arrived on the Isle of Wight on Sunday 28 June.
They were supported on the journey by driver Tony Selby.
The ride was completed in memory of Andy Price, known to Dan and his family as Uncle Andrew.
Dan had previously taken part in charity cycling challenges while studying at Keele University. He played football for the university team, coached by Keith Harrison, who had previously worked as a protection officer for Diana, Princess of Wales.
Keith came up with the idea of a charity cycle ride from Buckingham Palace to Keele University in aid of Marie Curie. Dan, Keith and their team mates completed the challenge, which led to further rides through Europe.
The second ride, a three day journey to Paris, became especially poignant after Keith developed a melanoma in his eye. He was able to take part along some of the route, but died the following year.
Before his death, Keith had suggested cycling to Barcelona, and the eight day challenge was later completed in his memory.
Andy Price had been part of the support team for all three of those earlier rides, following the cyclists in a van, helping keep them safe and offering encouragement along the way.
He gave up his own time and took leave from work to support the riders. Dan’s family said Andy did it with a smile on his face, a wry sense of humour, and Shirley Ellis’ Soul Time playing through the journeys.
Andy died on 25 May 2025, aged 62.
The riders chose Andy’s Man Club because they wanted to support the charity’s work encouraging men to talk about their mental health.
Andy’s Man Club was founded in 2016 after the death of 23 year old Andrew Roberts in Halifax. The charity runs free groups for men aged 18 and over across the UK and online, offering a non clinical space where men can talk about what they are going through.
Dan is a teacher at Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews Academy in Blurton, where pupils and staff also supported his fundraising efforts.
Supporters can still donate through the team’s JustGiving page, under the name Damian Williams.
Anyone who needs urgent mental health support should not wait for a group meeting. In an emergency call 999, call Samaritans free on 116 123, or call NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
