A Fulwood man who suffered a serious cycling road accident has unofficially beaten a Bradley Wiggins record during a 100km charity bike challenge.

Father-of-five Stephen Knott, 62, was raising money for Heartbeat after being recently diagnosed with coronary artery disease.

The charity challenge took place on a stationary bike outside the Preston North End Stadium where Heartbeat is based.

Stephen, who was left with disabilities from the cycling accident eight years ago, beat Wiggins’ hour record of 54.526 km. Without the wind resistance Wiggins was up against in the velodrome, Stephen completed the distance in 54 minutes 46 seconds.

He went on to complete the full 100km in 1hr 40m 17s and has so far raised £485.

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Stephen said: “I had a stent inserted into the left arterial descending artery at the end of October. I was contacted by Heartbeat to start a rehabilitation program.

“As a keen athlete for most of my life I was very impressed by the program and the professionalism of the nurses and training staff at Heartbeat. More to the point how the staff gave me the confidence to start physically pushing myself again post procedure.”

Stephen’s wife Catherine Hilton-Knott said: “It was to say thank you to Heartbeat for their help in his rehab. Stephen defies all odds and battles through.”

Heartbeat helps people recover and rebuild their lives after suffering heart illness, heart attack, cardiac surgery or angina.

To donate to Stephen’s fundraising visit justgiving.com.