MORE than 60 riders took on a 23 mile cycling challenge in a bid to raise money for the British Lung Foundation.

On July 7 scores of riders set off from The Red Cow in Brent Knoll and peddled their way to Chilton Polden and back on the 8th Chris Evans Bike Ride.

The annual event is held in memory of Brent Knoll resident Chris Evans, who died from a progressive incurable lung disease and funds raised at the event were donated to the charity’s research laboratory.

Over the last eight years, the bike ride has raised over £15,000 for the British Lung Foundation and The Evans family, who host the event, have been invited to the laboratories to see where the proceeds have been used.

Rebekah Ahmed, head of events and community fundraising at the British Lung Foundation said: “We are delighted that the Christopher Evans annual bike ride is now in its eighth year, continuing to raise essential funds for the BLF’s research into Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

“We are so grateful to the Evans family for all of the hard work and effort they put into making the event such a success every year in Christopher’s memory.

“Every contribution makes such a difference to our work and the funds raised over the years have gone to our various IPF research projects, allowing us to invest in better prevention, treatment and one day, even a cure for IPF.”

After completing the charity ride, the tired cyclists enjoyed a delicious hog roast provided by Russell Astill in the gardens of the Red Cow, Brent Knoll.

Speaking after the event, Faith Evans, Chris’ wife, said: “A heartfelt thank you to all those who have helped organise, participated in, donated and, contributed to the event over the years – we could not have done it without you.

“We, as a family, are extremely humbled by the support and friendship given over the years and by the fun, laughter and many memories made from this wonderful event to remember my husband, Chris.

“We look forward to visiting the research laboratories at British Lung Foundation and hope to the continue to support the charity in the years to come.”

For more information about the British Lung Foundation visit www.blf.org.uk.