We meet Wolverhampton man cycling from Land's End to Scotland in aid of 15-year-old with rare bone condition

Michael Withnall, who is known for his social media accounts @mlmreviews or ‘Manlikemike’, has become a well-known face in the community for his videos and using his platform for good.

He was one of the men behind the campaign that successfully sent more than 250,000 birthday cards from around the world to little Amelia Kolpa, from Rowley Regis, to celebrate her eight birthday before she tragically died from neuroblastoma earlier this month.

Now, the 38-year-old, from Wolverhampton, is taking on a new cause to help another youngster in need.

Withnall is riding from Land’s End, the most south-westerly point of the UK, all the way up to John o' Groats, the most northern point of mainland Scotland in aid of much needed funds for the Hope For Harley campaign.

The campaign was started by Harley’s mum Kelly Harris and aims to raise £2.5million to get her son the treatment he vitally needs as Harley was born with a rare condition called spondylocarpotarsal synostosis, which affects his spine, bones, hearing, and growth.

He has had several surgeries and treatments throughout his life, but after having a spinal fusion in 2018, he started experiencing breathing difficulties and he is rapidly losing the ability to breathe on his own. His only chance of survival is undergoing lifesaving treatment abroad that will cost over £2,500,000 leaving his family of desperate need of funds.

Today, Michael stopped off at Wolverhampton’s Molineux Stadium on his bike ride and was cheered on by loyal supporters.

Speaking to the Express & Star, he said: “I’m always up for helping people through my social following, and after doing the cards for Amelia, I was itching to do more to help others. Then I heard about #HopeforHarley needing life changing surgery - so this was a no brainer.

“I haven’t set a time but I’m looking at 4 to 5 weeks. I am also towing a trailer with all essentials and don’t have a team following me. The main thing is just completing it and to raise more awareness for Harley so he can travel to America to get the surgery he so desperately needs.

“I literally don’t want to stop until the funding is done as this is one that needs doing asap. The total funding needed is £2.5 million in total but so far has managed to raise over £600,000 alone.”

Other members of the community were seen joining the ride to support him at least part of the way through the city. Videos, captured by Express & Star’s Karl Geraghty, shows the group riding past local signs on the National Express West Midlands number 16 bus route.

In a final message of ‘thanks’ to fans before heading on his way, Withnall added: “Thank you, everybody, for the support. It's meant the world to me. Hope for Harley is what we are raising awareness for and donations.

“We still have more to raise. Every little bit will help. If you can't donate, that is not a problem. Just if you could share some videos to raise awareness so he gets more eyes on what we're raising money for. That would be fantastic. Till the next time. I love you all.”

To sponsor Michael’s long journey ahead donate to his GoFundMe page for Harley. It has raised almost £6,000 so far.

For more information and to raise awareness of Harley’s story follow and use the hashtag #HopeForHarley on social media.