A Detective Chief Inspector described how he only just made the start of a gruelling bike ride from London to Southend... thanks to his parents.

Scott Cannon was among thousands of cyclists to tackle the 52-mile course in the blazing sun at the weekend.

But a hiccup with his train to meant he almost didn’t attend the start from east London’s Victoria Park.

He was faced with a number of cancellations due to signalling problems on Sunday morning.

He said: "I arrived at Rayleigh station with about 100 other cyclists, where we were told the trains for the event were cancelled due to signalling problems.

“However, I did what any other selfrespecting 41-year-old man would do – and got on the phone to my parents to give me a lift!

“Thankfully, they were happy to drive me all the way to Victoria Park so I could take part.

“I would have been gutted if I wasn’t able to complete the ride – I didn’t want to let everyone who sponsored me down.” He completed the route, which finished at Southend’s Priory Park, in three hours and 21 minutes, raising £505 for the British Heart Foundation.

Mr Cannon, who works for Essex Police, said: “It was tough going – especially as the course included contending with cycling uphill and through traffic.

“The last ten miles were particularly difficult!

“I’m proud to have taken part in the event in memory of my nan, who suffered a number of heart attacks, and also as heart conditions affect my partner’s family.

“I want to say a massive thank you to all who sponsored me .”

The money will go to further research into cardiovascular disease and advancements in the treatment of heart conditions