CYCLISTS are looking to raise even more money for a father-of-two in the next week despite smashing their target.

The 12-strong Davenham Dawdlers set out to raise £2,500 in 30 days for Keith Harte, who was diagnosed with spinal cancer in 2014.

Keith, 38, a keen cyclist, is confined to a wheelchair, and the team are raising money to help with the costs of adapting his home in Dublin.

Keith is married to Emma, 36, and the couple have two children, Thomas, three and Sarah, who is five months old.

In just 15 days the Dawdlers raised £5,500 online and through donations, and want to boost the total by the online deadline of October 15.

The cyclists supported Keith by competing in a 100-mile relay race at Oulton Park on September 27.

The men drink at The Oddfellows Arms at Davenham, where they heard about Keith, whose sister-in-law Louise Maidment works at the pub.

“Five hours 15 minutes later all 12 of us had completed the challenge,” said team member Paul Winder.

“The conditions were perfect, and we have blown out of the water all the expectations we had hoped for in terms of fundraising, knowing the massive difference this will make to the Maidment-Harte family.

“What has been staggering has been the support, and what we have achieved is beyond anyone’s wildest dreams, with everyone playing their part.

“The local community has to take the biggest credit, the overwhelming support of the local area and in particular the incredible contribution of the patrons of the Oddfellows Arms, where everyone has been generous beyond belief and the pub has contributed in a great way.

“We have had staggering contributions from local businesses and countless pledges from friends of those taking part.

“The sum we have raised will make a genuine difference to Keith and his family.

“The aim of the fundraiser is to raise as much as possible to help take some strain away and to make their lives a little more manageable.”

Louise Maidment said: “As a family we are overwhelmed by the support and generosity which has been shown, and would like to thank everyone who has pledged.

“For the Davenham Dawdlers to have raised such an incredible sum in such a short period has been unbelievable.

“I am in contact with Keith and Emma on a daily basis, and know how much this means to them.”

Paul was joined on the cycle challenge by John Baxter, Andrew Poole, Simon Freedman, Andy Clare, Paul Potts, Steven Walsh, Nigel Seal, Andrew Barnett, John Millington, Owen Oakes and Brendan Conlon.

To donate visit justgiving.com and type in keith-harte-fundraiser.

Money donated online will not be taken until October 15 to 17.