THE family of Rob Stephenson are encouraging people to take part in a charity bike ride later this month.

Rob’s Ride will take place on Sunday, May 27 and involve a 25km or 50km ride up onto the Wolds, starting and finishing at Malton and Norton Rugby Club.

Rob, who was a 21-year-old student from Pickering, died after being struck by a taxi on a night out in York in March 2016.

His parents Patrick and Nicki, and elder brother Sam set up a trust fund in his memory to help provide opportunities for more young people to participate in and enjoy sport.

Patrick said: “The object of the ride is for everyone to have fun and do some exercise as well. Nicki and I have been out training for the event and have lots of support from friends. Everyone is welcome just pay on the day.”

The trust has so far raised more than £125,000, with equipment donated around the world.

Rob’s brother Sam, along with, Matthew Clark, Sam Harrison and Robert Webster recently delivered rugby equipment to a project in Georgia which works with more than 50 schools in the capital, Tbilisi, involving children aged 10 to 13.

Meanwhile, fellow trust supporter Anna-Louise Hannah, who works at Chapmans Motors in Malton, has visited an orphanage in Pattaya, Thailand, Mexico City and a Nottinghamshire club for children with disabilities to deliver sports equipment.

Nicki said: "Anna-Louise is an example of the wonderful ambassadors for the trust, taking equipment all around the world for us.”

For more information, or to take part in Rob’s Ride, go to robstephensontrust.com