AN 80-YEAR-OLD retired teacher has raised hundreds of pounds for charity in a 112-mile cycling challenge.

William Burgess was raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support following the death of a friend from cancer. He was the oldest out of 2,000 entrants in the Fred Whitton Challenge and was judged Rider of the Day.

The former Aireborough Grammar school teacher, from Guiseley, completed the cycle event in the Lake District in a time of 12 hours 19 minutes. He has raised £600 for Macmillan and says donations can still be made via the Justgiving website under Bill Burgess.

Mr Burgess said: "A friend of mine passed away from lung cancer just before Christmas and he had been attended daily for several weeks by Macmillan nurses.

"I had been cycling for several years since I had to give up running as a member of Skyrac due to having had two hip replacements. I found out that I could participate in a challenge cycle event, the Fred Whitton and at the same time raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Thanks to many of my friends who sponsored me especially from Bradford golf club."

He added: "I started training for the event in January and to prepare for the 112 mile route and the 3950 metres of climbing I have since covered nearly all the roads and hills in the Yorkshire dales."