A cycling challenge has raised nearly £20,000 for charities supported by a popular Sidmouth man.

Sidmouth Herald: Family and friends have remembered Nick Baker who died at the age of 43.Family and friends have remembered Nick Baker who died at the age of 43. (Image: Archant)

Friends and colleagues from financial planners Old Mill cycled 207 miles in four days from St Malo in France to its office in Yeovil in memory of Nick Baker.

The trip was named the Nick Baker Memorial Ride in tribute to the 43-year-old, who died in August 2016 following a short battle with cancer.

Friend David Rice, who has helped organise the challenge, said: ““Losing him was a real shock, and it has been really difficult for everyone who worked with him. We all felt we wanted to do something in his memory, and a ride together just seemed like the perfect idea.”

Rider Duncan Parkes completed the trip on Nick’s bike to raise money for Marie Curie and School in a Bag- which sends rucksacks of items to poor, orphan, disadvantaged and disaster children.

Nick’s parents Michael and Priscilla chose the charity as their son had previously taken on two cycling challenges to boost the cause.

David said: ““Nick was a true action man; he was a marathon runner, had completed John o’ Groats to Land’s End cycle challenge and also took part in the two previous Old Mill cycle rides to raise money for School in a Bag.

“He was a much-loved character and a great support during both rides, offering support, knowledge and advice whilst on two wheels and well in to the evenings on both challenges.”

He added the company had been ‘blown away’ by the support and were grateful for the support the team had received.

To donate visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/nickbakerOM