Pedal power cash for Billy's Wish

The campaign was set up by Paul Dove in 2012 following the tragic death of his son Billy, who was stabbed in Hemel town centre.

Since then, Billy’s Wish has produced and developed an Anti Knife Crime Education Programme, being taught in schools across the county.

A 25-strong group of cyclists therefore decided to support the campaign with a 15 mile bike ride around Welwyn Garden City.

They did so in memory of Scott Stone, who was killed in a stairwell of a block of flats in Welwyn Garden City in 2014.

Billy’s Wish director Jan Maddern said: “We are overwhelmed at the amount of money raised by Scott’s family and friends on our behalf.

“It was great to be able to see them off at the beginning of their adventure and to meet Scott’s mum, brothers and friends.

“We’d like to thank all 25 participants form the bottom of our hearts, not just for raising this fantastic amount of money, but also for further elevating the profile of Billy’s Wish through selling merchandise and handing out leaflets in all the pubs on their journey.”

Organisers said Saturday’s cycling tour was in memory of Scott, who had a ‘great sense of fun’ and to continue his ‘love of dressing up’, men dressed as women and the women dressed as men.

Schools, youth workers and law enforcers will be invited to launch events over the next few weeks.

Billy’s Wish as recently completed a new education programme in three stages, with each stage including six lesson plans, downloadable resources and presentations.

To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/JACOB-SIZELAND