A vicious blow put Forest of Dean boxing professional Chris Higgs on his backside on Saturday...and it wasn't a punch but the strength of the wind!

Chris, who is helping to raise money for Monmouth youngster Chase Morgan to have an operation to beat cerebral palsy, was riding over the Severn bridge on Saturday when he was stopped in his tracks.

He said: "It was brilliant riding from Chepstow to Aust and with the wind behind us we flew over. But going the other way was a bigger challenge. We changed down to a really low gear but when the bridge operators closed one lane we realised it was going to be tough. In fact it blew me off the bike."

Chris had intended to run 80 miles – three trips from Lydney to Aust and back on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. But with a big fight scheduled for November 23 he was advised by his team not to risk injury by running, but instead to cycle.

The Lydney boxer was accompanied at various stages by friends Ben Thomas, Tim Dobbs and Steve Willetts.

"Sponsorship has enabled Chris to raise over £500 towards the target figure of £40,000 needed for Chase to have the operation which is not available to her on the NHS."

Her mother Helen explained: "It is available in some areas but it is a postcode lottery. We are so grateful to Chris for taking on the run as every single penny counts."

Supporters are planning a series of other events for the appeal called 'A big wish for Chase' and Chris is also planning more fundraising.

*Anyone who would like to sponsor Chris's cycle ride can do so by contacting http://www.justgiving.com/chris-higgs1">www.justgiving.com/chris-higgs1.

His next fight is against Mark Lloyd at the GL1 arena in Gloucester on November 23.