A Marlow cyclist and descendent of Fishguard’s Jemima Nicholas has raised more than £2,000 for Macmillan Cancer support in an epic cycle ride from the west to east coast, harnessing his famous great (x8) grandmother’s fighting spirit.

Rhidian Thomas cycled 275 miles non-stop, setting off from Fishguard Square, west Wales, where Jemima famously fended off the last invasion of UK mainland in 1797, in the early hours of Saturday (June 25).

He completed the journey in 19 hours 50 minutes, finishing at Marble Arch in London.

He said: “It was very wet most of the way and I was cursing the hills, the rain and the room Welsh drivers give to cyclists.”

“It was tough but worth it, money has been raised for a great cause.”

He raised £2,230 for the cancer charity after his sister Rhian Lloyd-Thomas, who is fighting recurring breast cancer, recommended he fundraise for the charity.

He is also planning to do the Marlow Fugitive Triathlon Half Iron Distance in July.