OLYMPIC decathlon hero Daley Thompson is getting on his bike to highlight how sport can help fight gang and youth crime in Britain.

Thompson, 50, is to ride from Old Trafford to London and will finish the 367-mile ride at Downing Street on July 14 where he will meet Richard Taylor, the father of murdered teenager Damilola Taylor; now the Prime Minister’s special envoy on knife crime.

Thompson, who set off from outside Manchester United Football Club on Wednesday, July 8, will be joined at various stages of the ride by high profile supporters.

They will include London 2012 chairman and old team mate Lord Coe, golfer Gary Player, rowing legend Matthew Pinsent and stars from the world of entertainment, including Coronation Street actor Michael Le Vell, who plays Kevin Webster, Lee Boardman from Drop Dead Gorgeous and Tim Healy from Waterloo Road.

Thompson, who won gold at the 1980 and 1984 Olympics, said he was driven to focus on the gang violence problem after reading a report commissioned by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation which looked at the similarities between sport and gangs.

The report, which he will present to the Prime Minister on his arrival, looks at how sporting activities aimed at gang members can work if they are targeted at existing gang hierarchies and involve peer mentors who are realistic role models. The projects also need to have strong local community roots.

Daley, who has been a member of the Laureus World Sports Academy since it was founded 10 years ago, said: "The report really struck a chord. A gang is actually not that different from a sports team, both provide you with a sense of belonging, status and excitement. But, while sport also helps you develop control over your emotions and learn to respect certain boundaries, being in a gang can be destructive."

He added that he is especially grateful that he has the support of Mr Taylor.

"What happened to Damilola in Peckham in 2000 was a tragedy, and what makes it even sadder is that since his death so many more young people have been injured or killed by the plague of knife and gun violence in our cities. The work he has done since then has been inspirational."

During the seven-day ride, which travels through Stoke-on-Trent, Coventry, Milton Keynes, Oxford, Newbury and Brent, Thompson will visit community projects which use sport to keep young people off the streets and provide positive life lessons.

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