DISTANCE proved no obstacle for a widower wanting to thank medical staff for the care they gave his wife.

Christine Hutchinson was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2000, and died after a three-year illness, leaving husband, Superintendent Tony Hutchinson, and their six-year-old son, Ben.

She had been looked after by consultant neurosurgeon Phil Kane, and Macmillan clinical nurse specialist Gill Hendry.

Supt Hutchinson was keen to show his appreciation for their work and was joined by six colleagues on a 143-mile coast-to-coast cycle ride between Whitehaven and Sunderland, which raised £2,500.

Detective Chief Superintendent John Kelly drove the support van, making sure the cyclists were fed and watered.

He also ended up supporting a US Navy team for one day when one of their number was injured and had to be taken to hospital.

Supt Hutchinson, seven-year-old Ben, Detective Chief Supt Kelly and Detective Inspector Derek Carter presented the cheque to Mr Kane and Ms Hendry at the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, this week.

Mr Kane said: "We are extremely grateful for this very generous donation, which will go towards developing services in neurosurgery.

"This has been a very difficult time for Tony, Ben and the rest of the family, but I want to assure them that the money raised will benefit future patients and be a fitting tribute to Christine."