Epic ride raises £90,000 for Shropshire charity appeal

And despite finishing the ride in just 10 days the money is still flooding in. Two months on the group has raised nearly £90,000 for Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The Cycling for Bryan campaign was set up after well-known Shropshire farmer Bryan Challenor was diagnosed with the terminal disease in June 2014.

His family and friends teamed up and together faced the gruelling cycle ride to help raise valuable funds for the charity.

After months of endless campaigning, rallying up sponsors and hosting various fundraising events, the team has managed to generate £86,492 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, largely from the farming community.

MND is a life-changing illness which attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. This means messages gradually stop reaching muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting. It can affect how people walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe and there is no cure although symptoms can be managed to help people achieve the best possible quality of life. The work the MND Association does is invaluable to those suffering from the illness.

The Cycling for Bryan initiative was kicked off with the mammoth cycling challenge. A team of eight cyclists successfully completed the ride, with many family members, friends and supporters joining along the way.

At the end of May, an auction black-tie ball was held at the International Centre in Telford to raise further funds.

Bryan, 68, who was born in Cruckton and farmed at Craven Arms, said: "I have been overwhelmed by the support of my family and friends who have achieved such remarkable success. I am just so proud and in awe of everyone who has helped."

Family friend Clare Rowson added: "We still have money coming in and we hope to have raised about £100,000 when it is all collected."

Dr Douglas Graham, director of fundraising for Motor Neurone Disease Association, thanked everyone for such a staggering contribution to the charity.