Despite falling off his bike and injuring his arm, a west Dorset teenager has completed his cycle challenge and raised more than £1,000 for charity.

Thirteen-year-old Charlie Wheeler from Mosterton set himself a target to cycle 300 miles in May to raise money for the NHS.

The determined teenager, a student at the Sir John Colfox Academy, managed to complete the challenge on Sunday, May 24, riding 302 miles. The 300 mile mark was while he was cycling in Broadwindsor on his final journey. However, he would have completed it last Friday if he hadn’t fallen off his bike.

Charlie originally had a target of £300, £1 for every mile he cycled, but managed to raise more than £1,300.

His mum, Karen, said: “He feels so surprised with how much people have donated, he never expected to raise that much.

“The hardest parts were after he hurt his wrist and feeling quite tired in the middle of the month. His legs were aching, but he wanted to keep going to he completed the challenge.

“His longest route was to Higher Kingcombe and back - around 19.5 miles - and he said a socially distanced ‘hello’ to his auntie, uncle and cousins. His favourite routes were to Netherbury, Beaminster and Higher Kingcombe. When he went to Netherbury he was able to wave at his grandparents and great nannie.

“His sister Anna waved him off most days and was part of the socially distanced welcome group that cheered his return after the final route on May 24.

“Charlie is really grateful for the support that his family and friends have shown him throughout the challenge and he is so pleased that he has completed it to raise money for a fantastic cause.

“He took lots of lovely photos each day, so he has lots to remember the challenge with.”

People can still donate to the Just Giving page at justgiving.com/fundraising/Charlie-Wheeler300

He will be doing a couple more bike rides and will probably complete around 325 to 330 miles for the month.