A man from Bicester cycled from London to Brighton to raise money for a local suicide prevention charity.

Peter Rhone completed the 55 mile bike ride in memory of his child, Virgil Rhone, who took their own life in 2022 at the age of 15. 

Mr Rhone was among eight cyclists who completed the gruelling cycle ride on Sunday, September 15, raising money for The Engineering Trust and Nai’s House, a local mental health and suicide prevention charity for young people.

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Nai's House was where Virgil felt "safe and happy", which is why his family is raising money for the charity.

After more than two-and-a-half years of fundraising Mr Rhone has raised more than £25,000.

Virgil Rhone Virgil Rhone (Image: Rhone family/ Hyde News)His family wrote on the fundraising page: "Virgil had been exploring their identity for some time, and was on a challenging journey of change, one which was exciting and life affirming, but became too overwhelming and painful to bear.

"Their services are needed now more than ever, and so we ask you to remember Virgil by giving to this valuable cause."

Mr Rhone told the Oxford Mail  Virgil was a "very kind and considerate person and always thinking of others".

"He was always helping the people who are struggling," he said.

The fundraiser can be found here.

The team are waiting on a final few donations, however they look to have raised roughly £2400 which will be split between the two charities.

"When we got into Brighton there were lots of people cheering you on, which I wasn’t expecting. It was a great day," he recalled. 

He added that although the distance was "fairly easy", the hills were a "bit of a shock".The eight cyclists at the bike ride (Image: Mark Vingoe) Speaking on the training for the bike ride, which took him five hours in total, Mr Rhone said: "It is hard, you have to be quite dedicated."

He added that he plans to continue fundraising for Nai's House.

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Speaking on the support from the community, he said: "You often feel alone but you’re never alone, because there are always people there."

Mark Vingoe, the CEO of The Engineering Trust, said: “The team did a great job, supported by Melvyn and Millie Parr who dropped us at the start and collected us in Brighton.

"It’s a great event and the money raised will be put to good use by both charities who are based down the road from each other in Bicester.

"As an organisation we have natural synergy with Nai’s House and its been fantastic to have the opportunity to raise money for such an important and needed charity”. 

The Samaritans helpline can be contacted on 116 123 and is available 24/7.