Fundraising page raises £20,000 in five hours for family of endurance cyclist Mike Hall

A fundraising page set up to raise money for the family of British endurance cyclist Mike Hall has raised more than £20,000 in five hours.

Hall died on Friday morning after being involved in a collision with a vehicle while competing in the Indian Pacific Wheel Race in Australia, with all money raised on the JustGiving page going towards Hall's family.

The page was set up by James Hayden, a family friend of Hall, who wrote about his friend on the page.

"This page has been set up to raise money to help Mike's family in this difficult time.

"Mike will be remember by us all for his kindness, good heart and bravery. Mike was a shining light in many of our lives, enabling us to find the best of ourselves.

"My sincere thoughts and love are with Anna, and Mike's Family.

"The money raised will go to Mike's mum, Patricia, to cover any costs. Any money raised beyond her costs will be for her to decide the right cause. So please donate generously."

Set up on Friday morning with the aim of raising £20,000 for Hall's family, Hayden's page has already passed its target only five hours after being launched.

35-year-old Hall was nearing the end of the Indian Pacific Wheel Race, a 5,500km race across Australia, when he was struck by a vehicle early on Friday morning just south of Canberra.

The circumstances surrounding Hall’s death are currently being investigated by local police, with race organisers cancelling the event with immediate effect.

A tribute ride will be held on Sunday in Sydney, with details to be announced in due course.