A popular Manx charity will benefit from the efforts of a cyclist who has raised money in memory of his friend, James Cowton, who was killed during this year’s Southern 100 races.

Keen cyclist Tom Ramsay scaled new heights to raise the cash for the Rob Vine Fund, by riding the equivalent height of Everest.

Tom, from Driffield in West Yorkshire, spent 12 and a half hours in the saddle during the challenge, well-known to cyclists as Everesting, which involved cycling up Yorkshire’s Garrowby Hill 66 times.

He was joined on the ride by his friend and fellow charity cyclist, Rich Bladwin, and to complete the challenge, cyclists have to repeat a particular climb in one single activity, until they reach 29,029 feet - the equivalent height of Mount Everest.

The pair set off on their first ascent at 6am and completed their challenge at 9.30pm after taking a few well-earned breaks.

Tom, who competes in a variety of cycling disciplines at a regional and national level, said this was way beyond any challenge he had previously undertaken.

He said: ’The first 40 ascents were really enjoyable and we ticked them off pretty quickly, however the final 12 were very difficult. It was the psychological barrier of knowing that you’d already done so much, yet still had quite a way to go.’

The director of the Rob Vine fund, Dr David Stevens, said: ’It has been an absolutely devastating year for road racing this year with the loss of a number of well-respected individuals.

’However, it is really heart-warming to see people like Tom and Rich undertaking such activities in order to bring about some good from a terrible situation.

’This must have been a very difficult challenge for them and the Rob Vine Fund are immensely grateful to be chosen for donations.

’I speak for many in saying James would be incredibly proud of his friend for his achievement.’

The sum raised so far is more than £1,057.  Donations can still be made via PayPal to the Rob Vine Fund via the website at www.robvinefund.im/donate

Anyone donating can leave the reference EverestForJames.