A team of cyclists raised more than £8,000 for kidney research at St Helier Hospital.

The group cycled over 1,200 miles during the two-day charity event which was set up by Mat Dibb, a patient at St Helier Hospital’s renal unit.

In 1991 Mr Dibb, 42, from Witley in Surrey, was diagnosed with a chronic kidney disease which causes scarring on the organ.

Last year the condition deteriorated so much his kidneys only function at 30 per cent of a healthy kidney’s capacity.

He was inspired to create his own event, Dibbfest, to raise money for the South West Thames Kidney Fund.

He said: “We ended up with a team of 17 riders attempting to ride 1,000 miles in 48 hours on a static bike, creating an unofficial world record as well.

“We sold out of tickets on both days, and we smashed our target by doing 1,244 at an average speed of 26 miles per hour.

"Not only that, but we’ve generated awareness of the disease and the importance of exercise – and raised just over £8,000 for the charity.

“It was a great weekend and I want to thank everyone who helped.”

The event took place at a village hall in Witley over the weekend of March 15-17. To donate visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=MatDibb