A GWENT Paralympian was the star turn in Newport, giving tips to a speedway rider taking part in a £20,000 charity challenge.

Mark Colbourne MBE joined Wolverhampton Wolves’ Tai Woffinden for the last leg of his ride from Newport to Cardiff for Cancer Research UK.

Both men lost their fathers to the disease and that is what inspired Mr Woffinden to climb aboard his bike from Wolverhampton to Cardiff, where he is taking part in the 2013 Fogo British FIM Speedway Grand Prix on Saturday.

Already having raised £14,000 by Wednesday, the pair were in good spirits as they met fans and the Argus outside the Wales National Velodrome.

Tredegar-born Mr Colbourne said he was happy to provide support for an emotional cause, after he lost dad Cecil in February 2012. His death came six months before Mr Colbourne won Britain’s first medal at the Paralympics.

He said: “Tai has worked hard ahead of this GP and pushed his fitness even further with this ride. I’ve got to know him a bit over the last few weeks and I’m really impressed by his commitment and determination.”

Mr Woffinden, whose dad Rob, a former Speedway rider died in 2010, set off from Wolverhampton following a club race on Monday and made it to Newport ahead of schedule despite terrible weather conditions.

Christine McStay from Pontfaen was one of the people who waited patiently for his arrival, after reading about the cycle ride in the Argus.

She said: “We’ve been following Tai’s progress through the rounds and are so excited with his form, this is set to be a great year for British Speedway.”