A CYCLIST who pedalled from London to Paris in less than 24 hours raised almost £9,000 for a new charity which helps stroke victims across Yorkshire.

Nick Lally handed a giant cheque for £8,831 to his mother Sue, of Sutton-on-the-Forest, who is a trustee of SpeakwithIT.

The charity uses technology in the form of specially produced software and volunteers to support people in York and North Yorkshire affected by aphasia, which often occurs after a stroke or brain injury.

It enables sufferers to gain confidence, feel less isolated and get back out into the broader community.

Nick said the ride to Paris last summer had been probably the hardest physical challenge he had ever met.

“With three courageous, mad friends, we managed to complete the 282-mile journey in 22.5 hours,” he said.

“The experience was an amazing personal challenge which I admit I’d have enjoyed better in dry weather but what counts is that we completed the course. I couldn’t have done it though without the generous help of my family, friends and supporters.”

A spokeswoman for SpeakwithIT said it was very grateful to Nick.