AFTER six months of training and cycling more than 160 miles, a fundraising uncle smashed his target to support the neonatal unit at Basingstoke hospital.

Keen cyclist Rob Silvester, from Kempshott, took part in the Dragon Ride L’Etape Wales after wanting to do something to support the unit after staff had gone the extra mile to help his first nephew.

Rafferty Durling was born six weeks early after his mum Lucy was rushed into hospital for an emergency Caesarean section last year, and Rob saw first hand the dedication the staff at the unit put in.

When embarking on the ride from Port Talbot on June 10, the 28-year-old set himself a target of raising £2,000, but he managed to raise more than £3,300.

Talking of the ride itself Rob said: “We set off and the first 20 miles and climb was beautiful and quick, averaging a speed which was too fast to maintain for me.

“I essentially did the day in thirds, the first was too quick, the second I slowed things down and the final stretch I found my pace again.”

Rob crossed the finish line in a time of 10 hours 54 minutes and was greeted at the end by his family and nine-month-old Rafferty.

On Saturday, Rob, along with Rafferty, visited the neonatal unit to hand over a cheque for the money raised.

Rob added: “The staff have been really supportive of the whole ride and have always been happy to be in contact with me.

“Knowing that this money will go towards helping to provide toys and support to premature babies means the world to me.”

He added: “I got a sense that they were really thankful for all the support they get so I am already thinking of what more I can do to raise funds for them.”