Son’s bike ride honours father’s memory

A teenager from Telford is staging a 56-mile charity cycle ride to West Bromwich – and back again – in memory of his father who died in 2023.

Billy Burston, 16, will cycle to West Bromwich from The Turf in St Georges alongside his family on August 23rd to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

His father William tragically passed away in 2023 at the age of 52, just months after suffering a series of strokes that led to a devastating cancer diagnosis.

Billy, who plays football for AFC Telford United’s pan-disability team, decided to stage the ride as a tribute his father, who was raised in West Bromwich before moving to Shropshire.

He said: “In October 2022 when I was 13 years old my world came crashing down when my dad became very unwell and was unfortunately diagnosed with cancer which spread very quickly to his brain.

“This then turned into a brain tumour and he sadly lost his battle just a short while later in February 2023. My dad spent his last few months at home where he also took his last breath.

“In his memory I have decided to do a sponsored bike ride from Telford to West Bromwich and then back to Telford again.

“My dad was born in West Bromwich so including the place where he started his life I feel is a fitting tribute.”

Billy, who lives in St Georges, is aiming to raise over £500 for Cancer Research UK, which helped to look after his father and continues to support his family.

Billy’s step brother, James, said the whole family is supporting the charity ride: “Billy has been incredibly brave over the last few years and we are all so proud of him.

“He has planned this project and it will be a fitting way to pay tribute to his dad William, who was also known as Billy to everyone.

“I want to thank everyone who has helped so far and of course, Cancer Research UK for their support.”

Ian Preece, Director of AFC Telford United Foundation, added: “Billy is a wonderful young man who works so hard during our pan-disability football sessions.

“As soon as we heard about his charity cycle ride in memory of his father, we decided to help him reach his goal.

“As a foundation, we are supporting him every step of the way. Anyone who can spare a few pounds would make a massive difference to the fundraising target.

“I am so proud of Billy.”

Billy has created a Just Giving page for donations. Anyone who would like to support Billy can donate here: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/billys-giving-page-261