Gap-year cyclist raises £40k with racecourse tour

Tom Dunlop cycled to 60 racecourses around the UK

A teenager has raised more than £40,000 for two charities by cycling 2,600 miles (4,184km) to visit 60 racecourses.

Tom Dunlop, 19, from Lambourn in Berkshire, began his journey at Newton Abbot Racecourse in Devon on 27 July.

He completed the challenge at Newbury Racecourse on Thursday.

Money raised will be split between the Injured Jockeys Fund and Diverse Abilities, which is fundraising for a hydrotherapy pool at its Beehive Activity and Therapy Centre in Poole, Dorset.

Tom said he chose to support the Beehive because his godmother's son, Ollie Meyrick, 23, had attended the centre for many years.

He has Angelman's Syndrome, which is a rare genetic disorder that causes physical and mental disabilities.

Ollie Meyrick and Alexandra Meyrick (left) and Christina Dunlop (centre) supported Tom Dunlop (right)

Tom said he wanted to challenge himself during his gap year and "give something back".

His mother, Christina Dunlop, said: "He has been battered by winds in the Fens, accidently rode up the cobbles of Lincoln, powered up Kirkstone Pass in Cumbria, did battle with the traffic in Newcastle, survived flash flooding thunderstorms in Gloucestershire and has the most amazing sun tan marks from the hot weather.

"One bike was used for 30 days until he broke both pedals with the effort of coming out the Rhonda Valley on his way to Chepstow racecourse. Then he swapped bikes for the final three days."

Ollie's mother, Alexandra Meyrick, said: "The Beehive gives Ollie something truly precious - purpose.

"Accessible and safe swimming pools are sadly scarce so this will be a great addition to their centre.

"Regular swimming will not only be beneficial to Ollie and the others but will bring huge amounts of joy."