The wife of a cyclist who died during a charity ride has vowed to complete the last leg of his journey.

Katie Smith has pledged she will finish the last 20 miles of the 248-mile, 24-hour Kent Epic ride undertaken by her husband Christian Smith, from Boughton Aluph.

The father-of-three's ride was cut tragically short just two hours from completion in March.

News of his untimely death led to a public outpouring of sympathy and donations to his chosen charity, Mind.

The total raised on his sponsorship site is around £81,000 - about 8,000% over his original target.

A spokesman for the Smith family said: "Christian's wife has pledged to finish the ride in memory of Christian and will be supported in this by family and close friends.

"It would be a fitting tribute to Christian's efforts if the total raised could reach £100,000 and donations are still being taken on his page.

"Christian's family would also like to thank everyone who came to the funeral for their continued support."

Mr Smith was just days from his 39th birthday when he was struck by a blue Peugeot 206 at about 4am on March 22 on the A2290, the Old Thanet Way, near Whitstable.

More than 200 friends and family of Mr Smith met at the New Flying Horse after his funeral in Wye Church last Thursday.

A video montage showed photographs of Christian with family and friends to a soundtrack of some of his favourite songs.

A large number of people who took part in Sunday's London Marathon in aid of Mind wore blue ribbons in memory of Mr Smith and his fundraising efforts.

Police initially arrested an 18-year-old woman, from Herne Bay, in the hours following the crash, describing her as "the driver of the Peugeot".

She was quizzed on suspicion of drink-driving and causing death by dangerous driving.

But in a curious twist, a 19-year-old man from Herne Bay was also arrested two days later on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Police confirmed just one car and Mr Smith's bicycle were involved in the tragedy. Both teenagers have been bailed until July.

Paul Farmer, chief executive of the mental health charity, said: "We want to thank each and every person who wore a blue ribbon in memory of Christian Smith at the London and Brighton marathons and everyone who is continuing to donate to his fundraising page.

"We also want to extend our special thanks to Katie Smith who is doing something truly inspiring by completing Christian’s challenge later in the year.

"We will be encouraging members of the public to support her in whichever way they can."

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