A CHARITY cyclist has been killed in a tragic accident while trying to raise funds for the hospital service that saved his daughter's life.

Ian Abberley, 40, was part of a five-strong team that was cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats in aid of the neonatal unit at the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.

On the second day of the ride, Mr Abberley, of Swainby, near Stokesley, North Yorkshire, crashed into a rock face, suffering head injuries.

Yesterday, family, friends and colleagues were in of shock over the tragedy, which happened as the team cycled in the rain in Devon.

Mr Abberley's daughter, Phoebe, was cared for on the neonatal unit after being born when her mother, Isobel, was only 26 weeks pregnant.

Phoebe weighed only 1lb 5oz at birth and underwent several operations. She went home after four months in hospital and is doing well.

Her father had hoped to raise £20,000 through the ride - and the rest of the cycling team have pledged to continue with their effort.

Martyn Boyd, manager of neonatal services at the hospital, said last night: "We had been keenly following the build up to the ride and were looking forward to hearing how the team were doing."

He said they had all become especially close, which made the tragedy even more difficult to come to terms with.

He said: "The cycle team have decided, after a lot of thought and in discussion with Isobel, that Ian's express wish would have been for the ride to continue and be completed in spite of this tragedy, so they have now recommenced the ride, and we respect and appreciate that decision."

The accident happened at Taddiport. After being taken by ambulance to the nearest hospital casualty unit, Mr Abberley was airlifted to Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, where he died on Thursday.