By Patrick Widdess

More than 200 cyclists young and old saddled up to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Martlets Hospice at Preston Park on Saturday, October 26.

Pedal in Preston Park, now in its fourth year, was set up by Alistair Milne in memory of his wife Rachel who died from motor neurone disease in 2009.

He has seen it become an annual event supported by cycle clubs and individual cyclists.

“People like to be part of it,” he said.

There were 220 cyclists registered in advance with more expected on the day.

Peter Farnfield, 58, of Dorking, rode 35 miles just to get to Preston Park and join the event for the first time.

“It’s a bit of a challenge,” he said.

“It sounded like fun and I’m happy to support it.”

Damien Ruban, 14, of Horsham, was cycling with Preston Park Youth Cycle Club who hosted the event and aimed to do 20 miles.

There was some rivalry between clubs trying to cover the most distance but they were united in a shared goal of raising money and cycling a combined distance of 9,500 km.

This is equivalent to the three classic bike races, The Giro d'Italia, The Tour de France and the Vuelta Espana.

The event had raised £5000 before the day and organisers were hoping to double that.

For further details and to make a donation see the Pedal In Preston Park website: www.pedalinprestonpark.co.uk.