A Kenton hospice chief donned his cycle helmet and raced professionals while raising more than £4,500 for charity.

Charles Daniels, medical director of St Luke’s Hospice in Kenton Grange, took on the Prudential Ride challenge on July 29 from London to Surrey and back.

He and his friend David Landau succeeded in completing the route despite pouring rain, a 20mile an hour head wind and the coldest day for two months.

The duo have so far raised £4,500, which will be donated to St Luke’s Hospice.

Mr Daniels said: “Despite the weather, which made the ride quite difficult we were proud to reach the finish line and completed it in only two and a half hours less than professional cyclist Mark Cavendish.

“We are always very keen to support St Luke’s hospice.”

The charity caters for people with incurable illnesses, all of which is free.