PLANS to cycle 1,200 miles for cancer charity Macmillan came to an abrupt end for Jack Newport.

The resilient 85 year old suffered three broken ribs on his left side and needed stitches for his elbow when he was knocked off his bike 287 miles into his ride. He felt the full force of the high speed winds whilst pedaling on the A2, currently with road works.

He said: “I was two thirds of the way to Canterbury and doing good time. There was no hard shoulder so I rode between and around the cones. A large vehicle got to close and managed to knock me off my bike. I was taken to Darenth Hospital in an ambulance with bike in tow.

“I feel guilty for letting everyone down. I have to finish it. I will continue next spring and hopefully end by my birthday. I will not give up.”

Jack originally planned to finish the charity ride on Monday October 15.