A DAD from Southminster took on a near-200 mile cycle at the weekend to raise more than £1,000 for charity.

Martin Neall, 42, cycled 186 miles around London on Saturday and Sunday as part of the London Revolution event.

Mr Neall braved heavy downpours and inclines of nearly 300 meters to race through the route for Cancer Research UK.

The event began at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre in Edmonton, north east London, travelling south passed Oxted, turning west and then north to the Winsor Racecourse basecamp.

The second half on Sunday saw the riders travel north of High Wycombe before turning east to head across the northern London districts before finishing back at the athletics centre.

Mr Neall trained for approximately six months for the event, taking around 10 hours to complete the first 100 miles and just over nine to finish the second 86-mile stage.

He chose Cancer Research in memory of his grandmother Joyce Day-Crickmore, who sadly died from cancer.

His wife Carol-Anne, daughter Elizabeth, four, and dog Quinn met him at every check point to cheer him on.

Carol-Anne Neall said: “Martin had to endure some serious showers on his journey, thankfully he was one of the lucky ones at the basecamp who got the opportunity to change into some dry clothes.

“He’s raised a huge amount and couldn’t be more proud of himself. Some of the hills he had to tackle were massive.

“This was his once in a lifetime event, but he told me he felt absolutely fine the day after.”

Mr Neall has so far raised more than £1,135.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/martin-neall-cruk.