CHARITY cyclist Daniel Gilchrist has thanked everyone for helping him raise an ‘incredible’ total for a leading mental health charity.

Daniel, from Wilmslow, pedalled 130 miles in 12 hours in memory of a close friend.

He cycled from his home town to Aberystwyth on the west coast of Wales to raise money for mental health charity Mind.

Daniel was at university at Aberystwyth with John Childs, who died this year, and inspired Daniel to take up the cycling challenge.

Daniel took part in the challenge with his friend Tom Moore, from Wilmslow, who was also raising money for Mind.

Daniel smashed his £1,000 target, raising £1,660, and the justgiving page is still open if anyone would like to donate.

He said: “Thank you to everyone who has donated to Mind to support the excellent work they do.

“I’m totally amazed by how much has been pledged towards this fantastic cause - donations currently stand at £1,660, which is incredible - thank you all.

“Thanks to everyone for their kind words of support and encouragement, it really helped me to get through the day.

“Thanks specifically to my wife Jane and daughter Meg for their excellent support before and during the ride.

“Those many nights alone while I was out training/tinkering with my bike certainly were worth it. I couldn’t have done it without them.

“Similarly thanks to Richard Taylor for helping make sure my old bike was as safe as it could be, and Sophie for all your help raising the profile of the ride - you were with me in spirit when I arrived in Aber.

“Last but not least, thanks to Tom for his support during all the training rides and the main event - your calmness and stoic nature really helped steady my nerves throughout - great memories that will always be with me.

"As for the ride itself - we had drivers at 6am on quiet country roads heckling us with - ‘do you even pay road tax?’ - unexpected meetings with old friends, hills in the blazing midday sun, ice packs on our heads in lay-bys, two punctures, a broken chain, stunning and varied scenery, an unbelievably emotional arrival in Aber - and a well-earned beer.

“Sadly this year I lost my dear friend John to mental illness. John was a kind, generous and deeply caring person who was truly unique.

“I had the pleasure of living with John at university in Aberystwyth for three years, during which time we developed a close friendship.

“John was a selfless person who would do anything for you if asked. His boundless energy and enthusiasm inspired my challenge.”

The online donations page is at justgiving.com/fundraising/daniel-gilchrist1