Earsham-based Liverpool fan to cycle to Anfield, via Sheffield, in memory of Hillsborough disaster

On Sunday it will be 23 years since 96 Liverpool fans died watching their beloved team play Nottingham Forest in an FA Cup semi-final tie.

And as the club prepares to unite to remember them again, Ben Williams, of Earsham, near Bungay, will be cycling in their honour as he raises money for the Hillsborough Justice Campaign, Hillsborough Family Support Group, and the Community Foundation for Merseyside.

The 35-year-old will be leaving his house on Friday as he cycles via Hillsborough, in Sheffield, to arrive at Liverpool's Anfield ground in time to lay flowers at a memorial before the annual service on Sunday.

Mr Williams, who was born in Preston, said he always wanted to do something to raise money after remembering the fateful day when he was 12 years old.

'One of the first footballing memories I have is seeing it on Grandstand and listening on the radio. I remember being very scared by the whole thing,' he said.

'Over the years I have met people through football who were there or had family and friends lost there.

'I was very touched and saddened by what happened and have always wanted to do something that would help to continue the fight for justice for the 96 and the survivors, and remember them.'

The IBM and music studio worker recently joined Bungay-based cycle club Godric and this proved the inspiration for his fundraising idea.

'In the last seven months I have really thrown myself into this and gone from riding a few miles to 100 in a day,' he said.

'I've never done anything like this distance back-to-back but I have prepared as best as I can and whatever happens am determined to make it.'

He will be joined on his challenge by fellow Godric member Peter Gosling, with Liverpool fan Martin Ferguson cycling with them on the final day. Mr Williams aims to raise �2,000.

To see his blog visit www.rideforthe96.co.uk or to donate visit www.justgiving.com/rideforhillsborough