AN Abergavenny man has raised over £86,000 for charity — the highest amount ever by one person diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

Bryan Challenor, 68, of Triley, who was diagnosed with the condition last year, handed a cheque for £86,492 to the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) on Saturday.

Following his diagnosis, the 68-year-old’s family and friends got together to form a group called ‘Cycling for Bryan’ and organised two major fundraising events, both of which took place in May.

The first challenge was a 1,000-mile cycle ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

Seven members of the team completed the entire ride with a dedicated support team.

Mr Challenor’s wife Marion, who owns Baroque Boutique in Abergavenny, and Mr Challenor’s step-daughter Coryn Price joined the ride on day seven cycling from Shrewsbury to Abergavenny. The challenge raised more than £25,000.

The group then hosted a charity gala at the International Arena in Telford.

The black-tie event sold over 450 tickets and included live performances and a silent auction to raise more than £50,000.

The couple held an event for 300 people at their home on Sunday to thank all those involved and to officially handover the cheque to the MNDA.

Mr Challenor said: “I am amazed at how many people have given their free time and generous donations to help us raise money for MND.”

“The money raised will have a huge difference in the lives of those affected. The charity has given my growing family and I invaluable support since my diagnoses.”

Dr Douglas Graham, director of fundraising at MDNA, said he was overwhelmed by the amount of money raised.

He added: “It is fundraising events like these which keep the awareness, support and research going for the charity.”

“From all of us at MDNA, we offer our sincere thanks to Bryan, Marion and the team.”