ILKLEY GP Nick Clarke had a more energetic weekend than most, completing a coast-to-coast cycle challenge in aid of Lupus UK.

The ride was 150 miles starting at Seascale in Cumbria early on Saturday morning, and ending in Whitby after nine hours in the saddle.

Dr Clarke said it helped training in West Yorkshire. “The hills don’t seem too bad after training around Otley Chevin and having previously cycled the first stage of the Tour de France!” he said.

Lupus UK supports sufferers of mixed connective tissue disease, which Dr Clarke’s son was diagnosed with in October 2014. “Thankfully he's now doing really well,” added Dr Clarke. “But it's been a huge learning experience and because it's a rare condition we are still looking for lots of answers. It would be great if there was more information available for patients and parents, and more definitive evidence-based advice regarding lifestyle advice and treatments. Your donation to Lupus UK would be a great first step!”

If anyone wishes to donate Dr Clarke would be delighted to accept contributions via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nicholas-clarke2