LEE Kilby will be donning kevlars and taking to a pushbike on Good Friday in an effort to raise money for injured Swindon speedway star Darryl Ritchings.

Kilby, the son of Robins hero Lee, is asking fans to donate what they can in a show of support for Ritchings, as the Purton youngster continues to be treated in hospital after sustaining head injuries during the recent meeting against Coventry Bees at Blunsdon’s Abbey Stadium.

The challenge for Kilby is to ride the 100-odd miles from his home in south west London to Blunsdon in time to take in the second of Friday’s two meetings against Poole Pirates - in full speedway kevlars.

He explained: “I will be completing a 100-mile cycle ride from my home in London to the Abbey Stadium to raise money for injured Swindon speedway rider Darryl Ritchings.

“To make this even more of a challenge I will be completing the cycle wearing a set of Swindon speedway racing kevlars. Peter Kildemand’s 2013 kevlars have been kindly donated by the Ockwell Speedway collection.

“I am completing this cycle challenge as I have close family connections with Darryl through my godfather Glynn Shailes and so I can help a young speedway rider and his wonderful family in some way on what could be a long road to recovery.

“Please support me and help me raise as much money for Darryl as possible by donating. Thank you so much in advance and it would be great to see you at the Abbey on Friday where a loud cheery welcome would be appreciated.”

Kilby will be at the Abbey Stadium for the meeting against Poole, where he will be accepting cash donations in person, while cheques can be made payable to ‘Lee Kilby’ and can be sent to Swindon Speedway, Abbey Stadium, Lady Lane, Blunsdon, SN252DN.

A bank account has also been set up for direct transfers, and details can be found on the ‘Darryl Ritchings: One of our own’ Facebook page.

You can follow Kilby’s progress on Friday via his Twitter account. Search for the handle @LeeRKilby