A CYCLING trip around the Gloucestershire countryside has raised over £10,000 after more than 100 people took part to help a former Dursley Rugby Club player paralysed in a car accident.

The Cycle4Rob event was an overwhelming success with 96 cyclists setting out from the rugby club, with more joining at Thornbury, Chipping Sodbury and Wotton-under-Edge's respective clubs.

The sunny weather coupled with the impressive turnout on Bank Holiday Monday made for a brilliant atmosphere all round the 48-mile route.

The funds will go towards Rob Camm’s rehabilitation after the 20-year-old from Berkeley was left paralysed from the neck down in September last year.

He know requires a ventilator to breath and 24-hour care and his friends and family have set up Cammpaign4Rob to help raise funds for the specialist equipment he will need.

Rob’s uncle Mike said the cyclists were only part of what made the event such a success.

“A massive thank you and well done is needed for organiser Debbie Hill, who also did a fantastic job designing the route, which took in some of the lovely scenery we are lucky enough to have access to in Gloucestershire,” he said.

“It was a great day, brilliantly organised and the only disappointment was that Rob was stuck in Frenchay ICU and not able to pay a visit although his dad Ian did mange the first leg to Thornbury before having to take a ventilator into Rob.”

Debbie Hill was inspired to arrange the event after first meeting Rob just a few days before his accident, when he offered his assistance on the side of the road when her bike broke.

Scores of people volunteered to make the event possible, including 40 marshals to keep cyclists on route, first aiders, caterers, cycling professionals, graphics designers, the various rugby clubs and sponsors.

Back at Dursley RFC, cyclists and spectators were treated to a barbecue, with meat provided by Cam Family Butchers and rolls by Draycott Bakery, along with sports massages and music.

Mike added: “Thank you Debbie for the idea and brilliant organisation, well done to everyone involved and thank you so much for supporting Cammpaign4Rob, your efforts are very much appreciated by Rob and his whole family.”