A HAMPSHIRE man has raised hundreds of pounds for a town charity after cycling from dawn till dusk at the weekend.

Jeff Cox, house manager at Hillier Court Retirement Living in Botley Road, Romsey, managed to raise approximately £500 for Romsey Young Carers.

The 56-year-old, from Southampton, cycled on a stationary bike from 7.30am to 4.30pm on Sunday, November 3.

Jeff said: "After a visit from the manager of Romsey Young Carers it was a no-brainer they would be our charity we would raise money for.

"The charity provides support and respite for carers, offers positive life experiences, helps improve their confidence and provides a safe place to discuss concerns and get support.

"It is for young carers who are aged five through to 25-years-old and the charity gives them a change of scenery they may not normally get."

When asked how the bike ride went, Jeff said: "I am sitting on a cushion now and I am numb from the waist down.

"It was exhausting, I am in my late 50s and I am nearly 19 stone, but it was worthwhile.

"We had people coming in from outside of the retirement home putting money in the bucket I had by my bicycle and, because it was a Sunday, a lot of families came along and donated.

"In the bucket alone we got over £100."

Jeff said he had not cycled for nine hours before, but would "never say never" to doing it again in the future.

Project manager at Romsey Young Carers, Chris Hall, said: "It is amazing what they have done because we are a local charity who work with people in the lower Test Valley area, so it is really good the community support us.

"We are really grateful and that kind of money goes a long way, as it helps support the youth club and holiday activities.

"That money would probably benefit the majority of the 115 children on the project."

The 37-year-old added: "We do not get big handouts so it is about the work we do; when the community get behind us it is really important, as it helps gets the message out there about young carers."

Romsey Young Carers is a charity supporting young carers in Romsey and Southern Test Valley.

The organisation also gives young carers the opportunity to meet people in similar situations to assure them they are not alone.

The bike ride took place at Hillier Court Retirement Living.