Cyclists spend 17 hours in the saddle as they travel from the Isle of Sheppey in Kent to Burnham on Sea in Somerset on the longest day of the year.

It’s a challenge that Bristol surveyor Philip Gibson has just completed to raise money for Cancer Research UK - a cause that’s very close to his heart.

The 53 year-old director in the hospitality and leisure division at LSH, in Bristol and the South West, said: “Chase the Sun is a wonderful event and a very tough physical, motivational and navigational challenge.

“It gives you the opportunity to ride to experience, endure and savour the diverse geography, history, and weather of the country on the year’s longest day, on two wheels.”

He added: “I managed to get to the end with just 20 minutes to spare before sunset. The route goes through Kent and South London, leaving through Richmond Park and then through Surrey, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Somerset with a particular highlight being the descent through Cheddar Gorge after 190 miles.

“The ride went without incident for me although the increasing headwind in the last 70 miles or so, and the climbing through the Mendip Hills, made the last third of it very tough.

“It’s by some distance the longest I’ve been on a bike in one day. I did the ride with my friend Al King, and this is the third year that I’ve undertaken a physical challenge to raise money for charity, having done the National 3 Peaks last year and cycled between the ES Group London and Bristol offices the year before.

“My mother has received cancer treatment, as have a number of other family members and friends, so Cancer Research UK has been my focus. The total raised so far is over £700.”

Anyone that would like to support Philip’s efforts should visit https://www.justgiving.com/Philip-Gibson2