He’s an in international sporting hero who was knighted by the king at Windsor Castle but even Sir Christopher Dean admits his latest task may be a challenge and a half.

The ice skating hero – best known for famously winning gold with Jayne Torvill in the 1984 winter Olympics – says he is a keen cyclist.

But he says the 237-mile charity ride from Ipswich to Huddersfield for a Pedal for Pounds adventure will be the ultimate test.

“I have a few bikes,” said Sir Christopher. “But I don’t normally ride this sort of distance. I am more concerned with the problem of getting saddle sores than anything but it is for a very good cause.”

Sir Christopher Dean, Olympic ice skating hero, is taking part in a cycle ride from Ipswich to Huddersfield in aid of Motor Neurone Disease research. Pictured from Dan Sykes, Mark Ronan, Christopher Dean and Richard Jewkes. Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe

placeholder image — Sir Christopher Dean, Olympic ice skating hero, is taking part in a cycle ride from Ipswich to Huddersfield in aid of Motor Neurone Disease research. Pictured from Dan Sykes, Mark Ronan, Christopher Dean and Richard Jewkes. Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe

The challenge is to raise money for MND (motor neurone disease) research in honour of former footballer Marcus Stewart, still a popular figure in Huddersfield and Ipswich.

To support the appeal visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/mark-and-dan.

He played for Huddersfield Town (1996-2000) and Ipswich Town (2000-02) in a long career of 664 games and 199 goals, hence the Town to Town challenge.

In 2022, Stewart, now 53, was diagnosed with MND and has since devoted much of his time to raising money for the Darby Rimmer Foundation.

This was formed by Stephen Darby – a former Liverpool, Bradford City and Bolton Wanderers footballer – and British forces veteran Chris Rimmer who have also both been diagnosed with MND.

Some 160-plus riders will be setting off from Ipswich today, Friday, and arriving back in Huddersfield on Sunday, which is MND World Day. Sir Christopher said: “We just wanted a little publicity to get more donations, which will go to MND charity, and to support Marcus Stewart, a former Huddersfield Town player. This will be my first long ride, so I hope my legs can last the journey.”

Sir Christopher, who now lives in Huddersfield, said he was encouraged to take part after visiting the Dunkirk pub in Denby Dale, and he is delighted to take part.

Fellow cyclist Mark Ronan said Marcus Stewart was a very popular player in Huddersfield. He said: “The camaraderie is fantastic. Marcus Stewart is an absolute Town legend.

Marcus Stewart said a message of support: “Join in if you can and get pedalling, every turn of the pedals raises vital funds for research into a cure for MND.”

Funds raised will go to the Darby Rimmer Foundation to help create awareness of the disease, assist with research to find a cure, and contribute towards grants and the provision of information of support to those diagnosed with the disease.

Former Newcastle United and England striker Alan Shearer said: "What you are doing is inspirational, in raising funds to help in the fight against MND, every single pound you raise will make a real difference... train well, stay safe and most importantly, enjoy the ride."

Sir Christopher, 67, also won a bronze in the Olympics and four world championships and four European championships. He later co-presented Dancing On Ice.