A CYCLIST has raised thousands of pounds for charity after collecting a bottle of beer and then biking more than 190-miles in memory of a woman who lost her life to cancer.

Tim Nash, 57, embarked on a five-day jaunt that saw him cycle from Hillsborough football stadium in Sheffield to the Bell Inn in Castle Hedingham after picking up a sentimental bottle of booze.

He was inspired to tackle the gruelling pilgrimage after friend and colleague Keira Dixon, who he met through working at the Bell Inn’s annual beer festival, died of brain cancer at the age of just 21 after a four-year battle.

Before her death, Tim had learnt about her admiration for Sheffield Wednesday Football Club and suggested they should try a bottle of the Championship side’s official beer – The Wednesday.

But before they had the chance, Keira tragically died.

Speaking about the journey, Tim said: “It was quite a remarkable few days that exceeded my expectations.

“I really enjoyed the whole experience.

“There were a few hiccups along the way, but it was a brilliant and an enjoyable ride, and I will always remember the generosity and encouragement of the people I met along the way.”

After arriving in Sheffield, Tim was presented with the bottle of brew on the Hillsborough pitch as his son, wife, two grandchildren, friends and Keira’s parents Mandi and Tim watched on and enjoyed the “special moment”.

The lengthy ride, which has generated about £10,000 in donations for St Helena Hospice, then set off and saw Tim stopping at various watering holes as he gradually made his way back down south.

On the final day, Tim met up with Keira’s dad at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge – where Keira had been treated – who joined him for the remaining miles.

As they arrived at the Nethergate Brewery, in Long Melford, friends and family, who were all dressed up as superheroes joined them for the final leg of the ride to the Bell Inn.

Tim said: “Actually getting the bottle of beer in my hands was nothing short of relief – it meant the trust that people had put in me was not going to be in vain.

“The final stage of the ride was one of the most extraordinary things I have ever been involved in.

“We have raised an extraordinary amount of money and I know every penny of it will be well spent by St Helena Hospice to support people like Keira and their families.

“But the only reason why the total is as big as it is, is because of all the other people who got involved and put their heart and soul into ‘Raising a Glass to Keira’.

“I really can’t thank them enough.”