A dad from Ashton upon Mersey has cycled 63 miles in a bid to raise funds for a deaf club that has supported him and his young family.

Joel Harris decided to take on a mega cycling challenge, starting from Salford Quays all the way to Blackpool, to raise money for a club that is close to his heart. 

The deaf father-of-two, who completed the ride with his own dad, 57-year-old Peter Harris, chose to fundraise for Oldham Deaf Club and its Deaf Youth Club after realising the club was struggling financially.

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The 28-year-old said: "It hasn't got tremendous funds to be able to pay any bills and repairs, and the youth club only just started back in September with an aim to grow deaf children into the deaf community and develop the club further.

"Deaf clubs across the country are slowly becoming extinct, therefore it is worrying that in future we could potentially see the club close due to a lack of funding, members and socialisation."

While Joel originally hails from Ashton upon Mersey, he moved to Failsworth with his partner, Olivia Devlin, who is also deaf, and their two children, Elysia and Leland, where the whole family benefit from the club.

Joel and Olivia even volunteer for the club's committee group while their eldest, Leland, has joined the youth club.

Messenger Newspapers: Joel is profoundly deaf, alongside his partner, Olivia, and their two childrenJoel is profoundly deaf, alongside his partner, Olivia, and their two children (Image: Joel Harris)

Joal added: "Our experiences so far have been incredible and we love seeing our friends coming into the deaf club. 

"Oldham Deaf Club has been running since 1904 and has hosted many deaf events over the years and is still popular with the community to this day.

"As I am myself profoundly deaf, alongside my partner and youngest child, while my elderly child had glue in both ears, we would like the deaf club to keep going for life, for future deaf children and people."

While it took the pair seven hours to complete the 62-mile trip, and a few days to recover, Joel and Peter's challenge has so far seen £910 donated into the pot.

Joal said the funds will be split equally between the club and its youth club to help "cover whatever they need".

He added: "The amount we have raised so far is absolutely incredible and we are thankful for people to donate to such as good cause.

"It will make such a positive impact to the club."

Joel's JustGiving page is still accepting donations, which can be made by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/odcandodcyg

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