Mr Blunkett, who is chairman of the club's supporters' society Wednesdayite, took to two wheels with former Owls star David Hirst, who was setting out on a fund-raising cycle tour.

It is hoped that the coast-to-coast effort, from Grange-over-Sands in Cumbria to Filey in North Yorkshire, will raise thousands of pounds for fans' groups and critically ill children.

Mr Hirst and his team, made up of Wednesdayite directors and volunteers, set off from Sheffield last night and were due to start the gruelling 150-mile biking marathon this morning.

The cyclists will also be joined by former Owls defender Phil King and ex-Newcastle United player John Beresford on their journey which is expected to take three days to complete.

All sponsorship cash will be donated to the Sheffield Wednesday Community Charity and Sheffield Children's Hospital, which has been building links with the Owls for several months.

More than £1,000 in sponsorship had already been donated before the team turned a wheel, and Wednesdayite director Peter Shaw said a mammoth total was expected by organisers.

He added: "Hirsty and the team are raising funds for Sheffield Wednesday's community programme, specifically to buy a minibus to help disabled fans get to home and away matches.

"They are also raising funds for for the Children's Hospital CT Scanner Appeal. We are delighted with the support the riders have got so far, but every penny will be welcome to support these great causes."

Speaking before the ride, Mr Hirst said: "I jumped at the chance to get involved in such a worthy cause. I am also extremely pleased that we will be supporting The Children's Hospital, which does amazing work for children across the region."

A tandem was donated by Sheffield firm Langsett Cycles for yesterday's event and Mr Blunkett enjoyed a ride around Barkers Pool in Sheffield city centre.

Wishing the team well last night, Mr Blunkett said: "I'm really proud of the Wednesdayite initiative. I'm just very grateful that I don't have to cycle the whole way with them.

"I'm sure Hirsty and friends are going to do us proud and I hope everyone will support the excellent causes."

More details about the ride and how to sponsor the team are available by logging on to www.wednesdayite.com