It’s raining cash for arson family

Richard Patton, his wife and two children — a girl of nine and a four-year-old boy — lost everything in the blaze at North Anston in September.

Family friend Curtis Greaves (23) was joined by cousin Brody Parker (16) and neighbour Vicky Harvey-White on the two-wheeled trek from Scunthorpe to Dinnington.

And Richard was so touched by the gesture that he joined the event as a thank you to all those who donated to the cause.

It culminated in jubilant scenes as they arrived at Dinnington Rugby Club — and their efforts raised £1,300 to help the family’s journey back towards a normal life.

Curtis said: “We got started at about quarter past eight, but the weather was against us. It rained non-stop from start to finish. It took us until about 12.45pm, so we did have a good pace.

“We’re not all experienced cyclists, so we were just supporting each other.

“It was a relief when we started to see things that we recognised. When we were at Scunthorpe, we weren’t familiar with places, so we didn’t really know how far we had got until we stopped for a break.

“Getting back to the rugby club was brilliant.

“The main thing was seeing Richard’s missus and kids there to meet him. Their reaction made it all worthwhile.”

The online donations topped the £800 target and collections in pubs around the area helped bring the total to £1,300.

The money has helped Richard’s family return to some normality — for example, spending a few days away and allowing his daughter to go horse riding.

Curtis said: “As hard as we might have found the ride, it’s nothing compared to what this family has gone through.

“It’s rewarding to be able to help a little, and we’d do it again in a heartbeat... but maybe on a day with better weather!”

The online donation page is still open at gofund.me/a2a2971f.