Seven rides for seven brothers

By David Baker

Just days before seven brothers set out on a charity bike ride in memory of their dad they were told their mum had little over a week to live.
The Norris brothers, one of which is from Pinner, had prepared for months for the London to Brighton trek on Saturday (14) to raise money for the British Heat Foundation - to commemorate the two year anniversary of their father Sean's death.
But just two days before the race they were given the devastating news that their mother in Ireland was terminally ill.
The family, which is also made up of six sisters, has been hit by a series tragedy in recent years and the Norris sons had also dedicated the 54-mile ride to another brother Paul - who died after being hit by a car in 1996.
John Norris, of The Squirrels, Pinner, organised the team's entrance and labelled the group Seven Rides for Seven Brothers.
The 54-year-old said that despite the devastating news they took part in the event because they knew that's what their mother would have wanted.
He said: "One of my brothers, Peter, who lives in New Jersey pulled out at the last minute to spend time by our mum's bedside but that was a personal decision made because he rarely gets to see her.
"But we all discussed what we should and decided we should go ahead with it.
"When we spoke to mum after the race she was really proud of us and was delighted we had done it for dad.
"We are all really pleased to have done it and despite the circumstances we knew the money was being raised for a good cause."
The other five brothers, Michael, 55, of Oxford, Gerard, 46, of Reading, Eugene, 43, of Swindon, Hugh, 36, of South Woodford and David, 34, of East London all signed up for the race and spent nine hours on Saturday racing to the finish line.
They have now all flown out to Ireland to spend time with their mum.
Between them they have already raised more than £1,000 but hope to raise a total of £7,777.
To sponsor them visit www.justgiving.com/7rides_for_7brothers.