A CYCLIST from York has celebrated smashing his charity fundraising target.

Mike Hughes, a commercial property agent from York, rode the first stage of the popular Tour de France as part of the Marie Curie Power Peloton, and he had originally hoped to raise £19,000 for the charity.

The 50-year-old’s final tally, however, was £25,337.04, with every penny of it going towards helping Marie Curie nurses in York.

Mr Hughes said: “I received such tremendous support from the business community in York, York City Council, North Yorkshire Fire Service, and the York people in general.

“I thought the £19,000 target was a tough ask back in February when we started, but with everyone’s help the final result is fantastic. This money will help so many patients and their families.”

Mr Hughes was supported by Black Sheep Brewery, and he organised a number of quiz nights, fundraising evenings and other events to raise the money, which helped the charity reach an amazing £510,000 throughout the weekend of The Grand Depart.