MORE than 1,000 people took part in Wirral's 20th charity Bikeathon at the weekend, raising an estimated £45,000 for research into blood cancer.

Those taking part in Sunday's Globe-backed event followed a 28-mile figure of eight with two sections, each about 13 miles combining public highways and off-road along the Wirral Way.

Proceeds will go to blood cancer charity Bloodwise.

On the day there was live music from the Peninsula Jazzmen and the Ukulele band in the Red Room Cafe at Arrowe Park.

Among those getting on their bikes were friends and family of Adam Clift, a student at Calday Grange Grammar School who died from Burkitt's Lymphoma, a form of blood cancer, in March 2016.

Since his passing, family, staff and pupils from Calday have raise thousands for blood cancer research in his memory.

His father, Richard Clift was among those who took part in the Bikeathon, along with Adam's mother and brothers.

Mr Clift told the Globe today: "It was the fifth time we have done the Bikeathon and a fantastic way to thank those who cared for Adam.

"We have always had great support from Calday.

"For us, as bereaved parents, being part of an event like this was like being looked after.

"I'm a teacher at a school in Liverpool and one of the students came over to take part, raising £100 for the charity.

"She didn't even know Adam, but was prepared to do this in his memory."

Race organiser John Osman told the Globe: "We had a great day.

"The sun was out and so were plenty of riders - over 1100 altogether.

"We are still counting but reckon we have raised more than £45,000 this year for Bloodwise, making a total of over £965,000 since we started 20 years ago - still just short of the £1 million, but there is always next year.

"Although it was hot everyone seemed to have as much fun as they usually have at the Wirral Bikeathon.

"They came on bikes of all sorts - some with only one wheel, one with three wheels and others with four and more.

"There were people of all ages too.

"Caldy Grammar School for Boys and Wirral Boys Grammar School turned up in numbers and that boosted our fund raising this year.

"We are extremely grateful to everyone who rode today, and to the many other people who made the day so successful."

Olympic gold medal-winning cyclist, BBC commentator and author Chris Boardman is patron of the Bikeathon.

Prior to the event, he said: "I love supporting the Wirral Bikeathon which does fantastic work in raising funds for Bloodwise at the same time as providing the opportunity for a fun and healthy day of cycling for families, groups and individual riders.

As in previous years Chris donated one of his bikes for the rider prize draw which all riders enter automatically.

The Boardman bike was won by Mr John Hodges

Total Fitness also donated a one month family membership for the prize draw again this year.