A STROUD business owner is undertaking a special bike ride in memory of his mum. 

Michael Rickatson, owner of Golden Sheep coffee, is going from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society after his mum died from that disease in 2012. 

Starting, on his 55th birthday on September 3, 2024 he aims to do the 970 mile trip in 13 days, going through Liskeard, Taunton, Chepstow, Shrewsbury, Preston, Carlisle, Kilmarnock, Cairndon, Loch Lochy, Evanton, Thurso and John O’Groats.

He said: "I am doing it for Alzheimer’s Society, because I lost my mum to that awful disease back in 2012.

Stroud News and Journal: Michael Rickatson and his mum

"She was living on her own, doing everything as normal, and had a couple of falls, 18 months later she was laying in bed, not able to talk or sit up, just before she died.

"It hit her so fast and was terrifying to watch how fast she deteriorated.

"I think it’s an awful condition, and watching a loved one go through that is heartbreaking.

"This is why I am trying to raise so much money as l can, so they can find a way to stop this devastating illness."

To donate visit - tinyurl.com/2b5sr9fk