Healthy turn-out for hospitals ride

More than 500 people set off on Sunday morning for a 100mile bike ride to raise money for the East Kent Hospitals charity.

The fastest biker was Alex Milne, from Ashford, who completed the circuit which started and finished in North Park, in five hours and five minutes.

There were options for people to stop at 35 miles or 60.

Some 150 people turned up on the day, without prebooking.

Last year more than 40,000 people took part in similar events across the country with £1m raised for charity.

Despite it being overcast, the weather was warm, making it perfect for a long ride.

Frequent refreshment stations were placed throughout the route with medics, mechanics and support vehicles on hand.

Rupert Williamson, the fundraising manager, said: “Everyone got around safe and sound, it has been a nice sunny day.”

The money raised will be given to the hospitals, with some people specifying which department or ward they would like their cash to go to.

Picture: Paul Amos FM4399357 Andrew Norris waves as he sets off

Picture: Paul Amos FM4399367 Riders ready to set off from Ashford North Park for the East Kent Hospitals charity bike ride

Picture: Paul Amos FM4399270 Robert Williamson from the charity checks that riders know which route they are on