A MAN who helped set up a tribute fund to raise cash for Diabetes UK -in memory of his late wife - is on a fundraising mission today.

Brian Hough, 60, lost his wife, Lorraine, to the condition in 2009. She suffered a heart attack following her fight with diabetes and related health conditions and had been waiting for a kidney transplant.

Since her death, Mr Hough has become an advocate for the charity Diabetes UK raising both awareness of the condition - and cash.

Creighton RUFC also sponsor the charity with Mr Hough’s help and wear the Lorraine Hough Tribute Fund sponsor on their team shirts.

He said: “Today, Creighton RUFC are raising money for Diabetes UK.

“Using exercise bikes at the Tesco branch of Rosehill they are aiming to bike the equivalent of around 320 miles - the distance from the rugby club to Twickenham.

“The guys have been out and about getting sponsorship, but please come down and spur them on, and make a donation there if you haven’t sponsored someone or make an online donation at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lorraine-hough-tribute-fund

“Please support the lads on the day if you’re in store as we’ll have plenty collection tins around at the checkouts.”

“Your support is much appreciated.”

Next month Mr Hough will travel to London to receive his MBE. He was named in the Queen’s New Year Honours as a recipient of the award for services to the community and to Diabetes UK.

Mr Hough, of Stanwix, Carlisle, worked in communications for Cumbria County Council and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority,

He said: “Lots of friends and colleagues have helped raise cash over the years..

“We try to raise awareness for a healthy lifestyle to mitigate the risk of developing Type 2. There are also collection tins in many of the city’s pubs. He said: “In many ways Lorraine was the inspiration for me doing what I do.” She would be proud. I was very surprised and very humbled when I heard I was to be awarded an MBE. If my parents were alive they would be very proud as well.”

The static cycling challenge started at 9am.