HIS spell with the club may have been short, but George Melling is still well-loved by all at Northwich Victoria.

And in support of their former defender’s fight with motor neurone disease, three Vics supporters will be putting in the miles on the bike this weekend.

Jamie Dewsbury, Colin Buckley and Jimmy Maddock will be cycling between Wincham Park and Harrison Park – the home of Leek Town Football Club – in support of a wider charity ride organised by some of Melling’s former teammates and managers.

Former Vics manager Lee Ashcroft – currently in charge at Longridge Town – and Lancaster City boss Mark Fell along with Andy Teague, Peter Wright, Danny Mahoney, Farrell Kilbane and Keiran Walmsley will attempt to ride 240 miles via all nine of the non-league clubs Melling represented as a player.

Before stopping at Vics and Leek, the ride will start at Kendal Town FC on Friday before finishing at Longridge on Sunday.

Riders will also call in at Bamber Bridge, Coppull United, Altrincham, Ashton United and Nelson, with Melling himself set to be present at all nine clubs.

“As with everything he does, George is tackling this illness head on and has the support of a fantastic family network and the wider reach of friends, who will all play a part in helping George fight MND,” a statement read.

“We are hoping to get as many people as possible to the stadiums over this next weekend to welcome George and spend some time celebrating a fantastic career and encouraging his fight against MND.”

The Northwich to Leek leg of the ride is expected to depart from Wincham Park at 1.30pm on Saturday, with well-wishers encouraged to be at the ground to welcome the riders from midday.

Food and refreshments will be available to all those showing their support.

Melling played for Vics during the 2013-14 season but his time at the club was cut short due to a serious Achilles injury.

He was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in January and since then, friends, family and former teammates have been rallying round to support him, his fiancée Nicci and their three children Isobel, Isaac and Kaiser.

A GoFundMe page set up in support has already raised just over £10,000 – CLICK HERE TO DONATE