A SPEEDWAY rider took to a different type of bike over the weekend to raise money for the hospital which provided him with life-saving treatment earlier this year.

Darryl Ritchings, 20, along with family members and friends, set off from the Abbey Stadium early on Sunday morning to cycle to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

Earlier this year, the rider was involved in a serious crash during the Robins’ first meeting of the season, which saw the rider collide with the perimeter fence.

The Purton-born rider was put into an induced coma and ended up spending more than a fortnight at the hospital.

Once he came around, Darryl told staff that as soon as he was fit enough, he would do a ride to raise money.

Yesterday, he fulfilled his promise and in the early-morning Sunday sunshine a team of seven riders set off on the 76- mile round trip.

He said: “I just wanted to do something as a small way of saying thank you to all the people who helped me when I needed it. A lot of people don’t realise the work everyone does there. As soon as I woke up I said I wanted to do something.

“I set myself a target of £1,000 before I started but already we have managed to get £2,100 so I’m really pleased with that and want to thank everyone who has donated.”

Darryl admitted that he is more used to being on a bike with an engine but after several months of rigorous training he was prepared for the ride.

“I have never really done any cycling, certainly any long distance cycling,” he said.

“I think the furthest I have gone in the past is 30 miles so this is a step up. I broke my ankle as well in the crash but as soon as I could use it I started training and have been doing about 15 miles every night.

“My recovery has gone much better than I expected so this has come around really quickly.”

Money is still being collected for the hospital on behalf of Darryl and family members will be at both of the Robins’ play-off ties against Coventry with buckets.

Donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/Darryl-Ritchings.