A LONDON to Brighton cycle ride has raised £14,000 for Julia's House after a £6,000 fundraising target was smashed.

Matt Ford who runs a speedway team challenged one of his sponsors to make the 75 mile off-road ride from the capital to the south coast and was far from disappointed with the result.

Steve Wells was joined by ten friends for the ride and spent a day peddling madly.

Mr Wells, who completed the route in under seven hours, said: “I am one of the Poole Pirates’ sponsors and Matt Ford likes to lay down a challenge.

“I have done various sponsored bike rides before but never anything this long and off-road.

“There were 11 of us who embarked on it and we all raised money through sponsorship.

“There was the odd broken pedal and some very aching limbs, but it was such a good cause there was no way that we weren’t all going to make it.”

A cheque for £14,000 has now been presented to Caroline Attreed from Julia's House.

She said: "Julia’s House relies almost entirely on donations and fundraising as we only receive 5 per cent funding from the government.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for local families with life-limited children to get the care and support they need, when they need it. Steve and the team of local businesses have played their part in helping us make a difference in the local community.”

People in Devizes are also being urged to do their bit for our 200 Appeal as we try and raise £100,000 to pay for carers for families in Wiltshire to mark our 200th anniversary.

Bridge enthusiasts who play their cards right can boost the appeal by joining in a game and enjoying an afternoon tea at Nursteed Centre, Devizes between 2pm and 5pm on November 1.

Tickets cost £12 per person and more information is available by ringing 01980 677105.