FARNHAM cyclists competing in this year’s Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 event helped swell the total sum raised for charity to a record £12.75 million.

This year, Macmillan Cancer Support raised almost £560,000 and became the first charity to raise more than half a million pounds from the event in one year.

Bloodwise, Alzheimer’s Society and Prostrate Cancer UK were among the many other charities that raised six-figure sums and all are already hard at work planning fundraising for the 2018 Prudential RideLondon-Surrey events.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’d like to pay tribute to the efforts of every cyclist who helped to raise record-breaking amounts of money for good causes at Prudential RideLondon 2017.

“The event has become a major fixture in London’s calendar, raising millions of pounds for charity and inspiring thousands to take up cycling. It’s yet another great demonstration of how London is open.”

Denise Turner-Stewart, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “After another year of record-breaking fundraising for good causes, the tally now stands at £53m over five years – a fantastic achievement which highlights the wider benefits of the Prudential RideLondon events.

“All those who helped towards this huge sum deserve our sincere thanks and I’m looking forward to welcoming riders back to Surrey next summer.”

• Entry for the 2018 Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100, which takes place on Sunday, July 29. 2018, is open now.