A CYCLING themed fundraiser which was held to help a local man who was badly injured in a hit and run accident was a success.

The Okehampton District Roundtable held the event on Sunday, October 4 to support Matt Retter and his wife Sarah.

Mr Retter, an electrician and member of the roundtable was left with serious injuries and an uncertain future after the incident, with the injuries sustained meaning he is unable to work.

He became the victim of a hit-and-run while out running near his home in Hatherleigh just a week after his wedding in September.

Police confirmed a 43-year-old man from Bideford was arrested on suspicion of several offences including causing serious injury by careless driving and dangerous driving, failing to stop after an accident, driving while disqualified, driving while under the influence of drugs and driving without insurance or a valid licence.

In the cycling event, participants in the fundraising cycling event began at the Granite Way Cycle Hire, prior to the ride down the Granite Way.

The event raised a total of £400, which goes towards the thousands of pounds that have been donated towards assisting a man that the Round Table have described as a generous, great friend to the group.

It means that the fundraising so far has reached over £7,000 with donations coming in from across the world. The latest £400 raised means that the £7,500 target has been hit.

Okehampton Round Table chairman Chris Brown-Martin said: “It went really well. We had loads of community support. It went far beyond what we expected. Granite Way Cycle Hire were amazing for letting us use their facilities and arranging the cake donations.”

He added that Matt and Sarah also attended the event and were overwhelmed by the show of support.