Two brothers have completed a sponsored night-time bike ride to raise cash for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

Stephen and Richard Peel tackled the Manchester to Blackpool event in tribute to care received by their mother, who is recovering after undergoing heart bypass surgery and having a stent fitted.

Together the siblings have raised nearly £800 and are still taking donations.

The duo were among 1,000 cyclists who took part in the 52-mile ride, which was organised by the BHF and supported by Santander.

“It rained towards the end but it was a good ride and the atmosphere on the night was brilliant,” said Stephen, 50, of Hebble Row, Oakworth.

He and 45-year-old Richard, who lives at Padiham, were well prepared for the challenge. “We did 40/50-mile training rides and even covered part of the route to familiarise ourselves with it,” added Stephen, who works at Nestle in Halifax.

The BHF hopes that the ride, which is now in its second year, will raise £165,000 once all sponsorship money has been collected.

Proceeds are for the Mending Broken Hearts Appeal, to fund groundbreaking research.

Event organiser Ali Rulton said: “We would like to thank Stephen and Richard and everyone else who took part in the ride. It has been a fantastic event.”

For further information about next year’s Manchester to Blackpool Night Ride, visit bhf.org.uk/m2bdark, e-mail nightride @bhf.org.uk or phone 0300 456 8355.

People can still donate to Stephen by visiting virginmoneygiving.com/Stephen Peel1.