A CHARITY cycle ride in memory of Sue Coleman from Crediton has raised a staggering £11,000.

The idea for the Cycle For Sue charity cycle ride was spawned last year from a charity fun cycle ride from Land’s End to Crediton organised by the Freemasons of Crediton.

This year’s charity ride was from Ilfracombe to Exmouth and has so far raised a staggering £11,000.

Two local charities have each received £5,500, the local adult hospice charity Hospiscare and the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) which supports people with the rare neurological degenerative disease.

The event was organised by the local keep fit group The President’s Men who are particularly grateful for the back-up cover provided by Mike Sanders of the Bike Shed, Crediton and also refreshments at the Freemasons Lodges in South Molton and Exmouth.

Mike followed the last cyclist all the way to Exmouth and carried out running repairs for "casualties" on the way.

The reason for the event, in both years, was because Sue, the wife of Peter Coleman, one of The President’s Men, had been diagnosed with MNDA in July 2014.

It had been hoped that she would be there to cheer on the cycle ride but sadly she passed away on July 6 this year.

During her illness Sue and the family were admirably supported by Hospiscare, so it was Sue’s wish that any money raised from Cycle for Sue was divided equally between the MND Association and Hospiscare.

Peter said: "We were overwhelmed by the support at Sue’s funeral and the donations on the day.

"As our wish requested, during her illness we were treated as if Sue was healthy, so we had no real idea of the depth of sympathy, and how people were feeling for us all.

"Thank you for all your support and good wishes.

"We cannot thank everyone enough for the support shown for Cycle for Sue, both in participation and in generosity.

"We thank you from the depth of our hearts."

The money was presented by Peter and James Coleman to Cynthia Hopkins of MNDA and to Sharon Ewart (Hospiscare community fundraiser) and Lin Stapleton (Friends of Crediton Hospiscare) at the Bike Shed in Crediton on Saturday, October 8.

Peter added: "I know it will help the good work of Hospiscare and let’s hope it will contribute to a cure for this horrible disease."