THE wife of late Warrington Wolves hero Paul Darbyshire has described the moment her 12-year-old son completed a 50-mile cycle in memory of his dad as ‘emotional’.

Paul’s 12-year-old son Jack was one of around 65 cyclists who took part in a 50-mile ride to mark the fifth anniversary of his dad’s death at the age of 41.

Friends and family came together to cycle 300 miles from Ireland to Warrington when Paul lost his battle with motor neurone disease on June 20 2011, and that memorable ride was replicated on Saturday.

Wife Lyndsay Darbyshire described the moment her ‘determined’ son completed the mammoth 50-mile challenge as ‘emotional’.

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She said: “Jack smashed the first 30 miles no problem but struggled towards the end.

“But he kept going and finished the whole 50 miles – it was quite an emotional moment and I’m so proud of him.

“I’m made up for him.

“He definitely has his dad’s determination – whenever Paul said he was going to do something he would be determined to do it.”

The cycle set off from Winwick Leisure Centre on Saturday morning – winding through Croft, Culcheth, Lymm and Tatton Park before the reaching the finish line in Knutsford.

Lyndsay had hoped the cycle and family fun day at the starting line would raise £1,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, but that target was smashed.

The 39-year-old added: “It was a great day and a real success, plus the weather was nice which helped.

“Angela Powers had it all organised had everything organised and it all went off without a hitch – she did a fantastic job.

“We raised about £3,000 – we had a target of £1,000 but everyone has been so generous and kind by making donations and giving raffle prizes.”

A Wigan St Patrick’s junior, Paul made his Warrington debut in March 1989 and spent his whole playing career with the club.

He made 106 appearances and scored 60 points for the club – including a goal in the 1990 Challenge Cup Final against Wigan at Wembley – before retiring in 1997.

Paul remained with the club and was assistant to four head coaches as well as strength and conditioning coach before moving on to Munster in 2007.

Lyndsay added: “I’m a bit overwhelmed by everyone’s support – a lot of people turned up for the day and not just the families of the riders.

“It’s lovely to know that Paul is so well thought of.”