A PAIR of cyclists visited 20 rugby clubs across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire to raise thousands of pounds for a cancer support charity.

Dave Oddie and Curly Smith carried out the three-day trip in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support after the latter's father Trevor Smith, colts manager at Wimborne Rugby Football Club for 15 years, was diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer.

Their fundraising effort is on course to reach £10,000 for the national charity.

The challenge saw them attend every club that Wimborne Colts play this season and involved 450 miles on the bike.

Dave, a rugby colts coach himself, said he had been overwhelmed by the amount of support they received during the cycle.

"The cycle was a wonderful experience and to have so much backing along the way was incredible," said Dave.

"We both had difficult moments and helped each other out along the way and there were people meeting us from Wimborne at nearly every club we went to.

"The first day was what I wanted the cycle to be like, the second day was okay until the last 20 miles.

"Every time I had a bad moment I opened the JustGiving page and all the support from people who donated for a reason was so touching and that is what the bike ride was all about."

The fundraising page can be viewed at justgiving.com/fundraising/wimborne-rfc-macmillan-charity-cycle-ride.