A HAMPSHIRE father has completed a sponsored bike ride around the Isle of Wight in memory of his beloved 12-year-old son who died last year.

Michael Morris peddlled off on the 60-mile ride with his cousin Paul Lester on Tuesday.

The pair were raising money for Naomi House children's hospice in Sutton Scotney, near Winchester, where Michael's son Jason enjoyed regular respite care.

Jason was born with the disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which weakened his muscles over the years to a point where he could no longer move unaided.

Jason, who went to Cedar School in Rownhams, Southampton, died in August last year after coming down with a chest infection.

Michael, of Garton Road, Woolston, Southampton, said: "Paul and I do bike rides a lot anyway and so we decided we wanted to do a sponsored ride for Naomi House in Jason's memory because of the way they looked after him.

"Naomi House is such a lovely place and it's really ideal for parents and for the child to give them both a break. Jason loved going for regular respite care there and I just want to put something back."

Michael and Paul both belong to the Veteran Cycle Club and did the ride on their own old bicycles.

Michael cycled off on a 1930s BSA bike, while Paul, who lives in Eastbourne, peddled away on a 1919 Royal Enfield.

The pair already have £800 pledged in sponsorship money but they really want to make the figure up to £1,000.

If you can sponsor them, call Michael on 023 8039 9215, or e-mail him at Soosoo5@aol.com.