One of the co-creators of the much-loved Manchester to Blackpool charity bike ride is looking to reunite with some of his fellow founding members for a very special anniversary of the heartwarming event.
Way back when, Tony O’Dwyer was one of just six original riders who embarked on the bike ride from Manchester – Media City in Salford Quays, more precisely – to the Blackpool seafront, which has gone on to become a beloved and regularly frequented fundraiser.
Fast forward four decades later and not only is the annual cycling event approaching its 40th anniversary, but O’Dwyer himself is looking to take it on yet again, just four days before his 70th birthday.
Oh yeah, it’s worth mentioning he’s done it every year since the beginning – including solo during the pandemic. Simply incredible.
Go on, Tony, lad! (Credit: The Christie Charity)
To make things even more memorable, the Wigan-born bike-riding legend is calling on his fellow Manchester-Blackpool bike ride founders to join him in a momentous reunion that is both a personal celebration and one that champions the famous fundraising endurance challenge.
It may have started out as little more than half a dozen blokes setting off from Albert Square in Manchester city centre on a pretty ambitious voyage, but it’s gone on to become a North West tradition and a powerful way to support vital causes, not least of all charities like The Christie Foundation.
This year, Tony will be riding once again to raise funds for The Christie in honour of his late father, Franco O’Dwyer, who was cared for by the specialist hospital and research centre after being diagnosed with stomach cancer.
Franco sadly died 10 years ago, and Tony has been a passionate supporter of the organisation ever since, taking various fundraising challenges even beyond his usual Manchester to Blackpool bike ride.
Speaking ahead of the anniversary edition, Tony said: “I can’t believe it’s been 40 years since we first did it. Back in 1985, it was just a group of mates, a few bikes, and the road to Blackpool – we didn’t have the gear, just grit and a bit of madness!
Credit: Supplied
“We passed through Leigh, Standish, Preston, and St Annes, stopping at pubs and windmills along the way, just enjoying the journey. I’d love to reconnect with the original group – Mike, Barry, Susan, John, Margaret and Christine – it would be brilliant to see where life has taken them.”
“The first time I did the bike ride, I was in fancy dress as a lion, and I’ve done it every year since. I even did it during COVID on my own when the event was postponed, and there were others on the way doing it themselves too, which was amazing to see!”
Crediting The Christie with prolonging his father’s life and giving his family that extra precious time, he’s now proud to fly the flag for the foundation, and they have just as much love for him.
Mass participation events officer Josh Hughff added: “Tony is an incredible ambassador for the Charity and for this event. His dedication over four decades is inspiring, and we’re honoured he continues to ride in support of The Christie Charity.
“His story is a reminder of the lasting power of community, memory, and giving back.”
For anyone who’d like to join Tony and be part of ‘Team Christie’ 2025 as they head towards the seaside town’s South Promenade, you can sign up HERE.
As for those pioneers who first took on the challenge all those years ago, if you were part of that original group or know someone who was, please contact Maggie Doyle at The Christie Charity on 07717 532195.
Fingers crossed we can get the gang back together.
Featured Images — The Chrisite (supplied)/Leo C. Owen (Pexels)
Sport
Manchester United announce another big signing with Benjamin Šeško swoop
Danny Jones
Manchester United have confirmed a third big signing of the summer transfer window after seemingly swooping in to hijack a deal for Benjamin Šeško from a fellow Premier League team.
While perhaps not direct rivals, Man United look to have virtually snapped up highly sought-after Slovenian striker, Šeško, from the jaws of Newcastle, who appeared to be getting closer to sealing a deal following a second bid.
Roughly a week later, Ruben Amorim now has another attacking option to choose from, with Šeško arriving at Old Trafford on a deal worth reportedly upwards of £73.3 million.
Signing a five-year deal with the club, Šeško will earn around £160,000 a week when it comes to wages, with his contract also including potential add-ons, according to Sportklub writer Rok Viškovič.
United are said to be paying an initial fee of £66.3m, with the super-fast forward supposedly having made it clear that he preferred a move to United once he was made aware of their interest.
After the news broke of an agreement being reached, it didn’t take long for people to start tracking his equally quick turnaround flight, with the towering Bundesliga prospect – who clocks in at the same height as soon-to-be Man City rival, Erling Haaland – travelling to Manchester Airport on Thursday evening.
In fact, speaking of Haaland, a recently resurfaced quote should give fans plenty of food for thought ahead of his debut in red.
As the player with the most goals scored – 39, to be specific – of any player under 23 since he arrived in Germany in the middle of the 22/23 season, it’s no surprise that United moved quickly on the deal to bring Šeško to the English top flight.
With his medical believed to have been conducted that same night, his official unveiling as an MUFC player on Friday, 8 August, sees INEOS’ spending so far this season tip over the £200m mark, even despite having recorded their worst domestic finish in the modern era in the previous campaign.
Should the add-ons in the roughly £71m deal for Bryan Mbuemo, not to mention the approximately £62.5m and nearly £7m outlay (all possible bonuses considered) for young defender Diego Leon, materialise over the course of the next year or so, that figure is more like £215m.
They’re not messing around.
Manchester United's new front three in all competitions last season:
Benjamin Sesko: 🏟 45 games ⚽️ 21 goals 🅰️ 6 assists
Šeško will be presented in front of the Old Trafford faithful before their final 25/26 pre-season game against Fiorentina, where a special presentation will also be held in honour of former goalkeeper, David de Gea.
What do you make of Amorim‘s latest signings, and how well do you think Šeško is going to take to life in the most competitive league in the world?
Perhaps more importantly, what might it mean for some existing players?
Featured Images — Manchester United/Wikimedia Commons
Sport
Alejandro Garnacho set for Premier League switch as Manchester United shuffle attacking lineup
Danny Jones
Young Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho looks set to make a switch to another Premier League team as he has reportedly already reached an agreement regarding personal terms with his next club: Chelsea.
The promising winger, who graduated from Man United’s academy setup and has quickly made an impact even in just a short time in the first team, is now believed to be London-bound very soon, with Chelsea now “close” to completing a deal for the 21-year-old.
While there are no doubts surrounding his talent and potential, it is said the rift between him and the United head coach comes down to personality, character and conduct, with the latter not shying away from sharing grievances publicly.
🚨 Chelsea have stepped up talks with Manchester United over deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho. Clubs in touch on topic for some time & now advancing amid Benjamin Sesko joining #MUFC. 21yo winger wants #CFC or nothing + expects move to happen @TheAthleticFChttps://t.co/vdc1dtnA0p
According to The Athletic, it now looks as though after having agitated for a move, Garnacho has got his wish and is set for the capital, in a move which could see him become the 51st senior player to sign for the Blues under Todd Boehly’s ownership.
It is, quite frankly, a staggering number – especially given the fact that he only purchased the club back in May of 2022.
Most notably in Garnacho‘s case, too, it also raises questions around where in the Chelsea squad he will fit and how much regular first-team football (a guaranteed starting spot rumoured to be a flashpoint with Amorim) he will be able to enjoy should the deal go ahead.
For instance, besides the plethora of other attacking players at Enzo Maresca’s disposal, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says that the west Londoners are also pursuing PSG’s Xavi Simons.
Nevertheless, the Italian journalist claims that “every detail of personal terms with Chelsea” has now been agreed, with the Argentine prospect now fully set on a move to Stamford Bridge.
You can see what other Manchester United transfer updates he gave in his latest video.
Romano goes on to state that the deal is effectively done as far as the player side of things is concerned, adding that Garnacho is now only interested in Chelsea since and has been since July.
Although negotiations are yet to begin with Man United, it looks likely that they will push to get a transfer approved quickly as they look to cover the costs of the other business, having already brought in a number of players.
Danny Jones -
4th June 2025 
