A FOOTBALL-mad cyclist has thanked a Hereford hairdresser for providing the highlight of an epic charity ride.

Steve Hall is taking a well deserved break after a three month cycle to all 92 football league clubs in England and Wales.

Mr Hall carried a sponsored top and collected various football signatures during “The Shirt 2010”

challenge.

Keith Whitney, of Keith St Peter’s Academy, looked after the Spanish-based cyclist during his 20 hours in Hereford.

Mr Hall was treated to a commemorative shirt ahead of the Blind World Cup tie between Columbia and South Korea.

But there was a bigger surprise at The Courtyard, where he met and nabbed the signatures of England legends Sir Trevor Brooking and Ray Clemence MBE.

Mr Hall also met Hereford Mayor Councillor Anna Toon and got a short-notice repair at Mastercraft Cycles in Bridge Street.

The Gillingham supporter said the experience was a huge boost and thanked Mr Whitney for an “amazing time” in Hereford.

“It was a superb effort and had I had his level of support everywhere I went, then the trip would be a doddle,” said Mr Hall.

Mr Hall’s trip was inspired by his friend Bjorn Heidenstrom, who is cycling from Oslo to South Africa to raise awareness of the world’s 45 million refugees.

Hundreds of football clubs supported him by donating replica tops, which were sewn together to make the world’s biggest football shirt.