TONY Hooper embarked on a 100-mile cycle ride following Hadrian’s Wall in memory of his som, Bradley, who died in a motocross accident. So far the ride has raised more than £3,000 for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, which flew in to help Bradley.

Bradley, who attended Heath End School, in Farnham, died during a motocross event on May, 11, 2014, after being hit by an airborne bike at the Tony Moto track near Winchester.

He was introduced to motocross at the age of five by his grandfather and two uncles. Following the accident, his motocross family, paid tribute by holding a two-minute silence and a lap of honour in his name.

Friends referred to Bradley as a polite boy who always had a smile on his face and “one of the most genuine and likeable people that you could ever hope to meet”.

In his memory Tony cycled coast-to-coast completing the Sustrans Hadrians Cycleway Route from Bowness on Solway to Tynemouth with Pedal Power Cycle Holidays from September 20 to September 23.

He said: “It was a great start until I cycled to Carlisle, no ruddy signs. Then I nearly ended up on the M6 heading north towards Scotland. Kids turn the cycle signs round, a bit like WWII.”

After spending the evening in Brampton, he was back on the road heading towards Lanercost Priory. “When ‘he wall’ hits you it’s such an amazing sight, I followed it all the way to Birdoswald Roman Fort, very impressive.

“Then it was off through Gilsland and a steep climb to the Roman Army Museum, from there it’s all down hill to Haltwhistle.

He left Haltwhistle just after 9am and took the low route on Route 72, past Melkridge, on to Henshaw and Barden Mills. After a quick coffee break he headed down in the valley following the river heading north east on Route 72, climbing all the way to Once Brewed on Hadrian’s Wall. “I climbed to the top of the fort and took loads of photos,. I felt like I was on top of the world.”

After two-hours up there at 380 metres plus, he walked down to fetch his bike and then continued his journey to Vindalanda Fort, carrying on east up hill, from Morwood Grindon Hill, and then down hill to Four Stones. He headed east following Route 72 to Bridgend following the railway line to Hexham Bridge over the Tyne.

The final leg of the his journey led him from Corbridge to Tynemouth.

“Next time I get on a bike I want a gel seat. Thank you so much to those who have supported me with your encouraging comments and/or donations, what a great bunch of friends I have,” he concluded.

To show your support go to his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/rip

bradhooper23/.