AN avid cyclist joined his colleagues on a 300-mile bike ride for charity, raising more than £10,000.

Maldon resident Roy Thorogood, 55, teamed up with his colleagues from Specsavers to take part in the London to Paris Bike Ride.

Lakeside director Shak Hirani, Brentwood director Manoj Patel, Essex regional director Roy, Group Treasury head Jacquie Manccini and friend Michael Lamb, rode over four days at the end of July.

The ride, organised by the Alzheimer’s Society, saw cyclists cross the picturesque Kent countryside, cross the Channel and continue through small villages and medieval market towns of Northern France along to the finish line at the Eiffel Tower.

The event had more than 120 riders and raised almost £250,000 in total.

Mr Thorogood says: “The Alzheimer’s Society do fantastic work supporting the 820,000 people in the UK who are affected by Alzheimer’s and Dementia, as well as their 23 million friends and family.

“It’s a cause that’s close to many of our hearts.

“For the past two years, the group has completed a shorter cycle around Essex during Dementia Action Week.

“This year we pushed our challenge even further, cycling in record temperatures, with one day reaching 50 degrees celsius on the road.

“It was a tough journey but the support from friends and family, and the team spirit got us through.

“Thank you to everyone who contributed to this very worthy cause.”

Since 2017, Specsavers stores in Essex have worked with the Alzheimer's Society to train team members across its stores to become Dementia Friends, who now wear a badge on their uniform so that they are easily recognisable.