A GROUP of friends cycled for 12 hours to raise a charity that funds research into pregnancy problems.

The “12 hours of spinning” at Club Ginger in Lydney is on course to raise around £2,000 for the Tommy’s charity.

It was organised by Paul Hudson whose grandson Shay died just after being born in 2012 because of problems with his blood circulation system.

Mr Hudson said: “Each year we do an event on the weekend closest to when Shay was born to raise money for Tommy’s.

“Hopefully the money will help prevent other families going through what we have.”

The 12-hour event started at 5am on Saturday and a party was held afterwards to celebrate.

Mr Hudson said: “We’ve got nine people doing the 12 hours and other people are coming in to do a stint.

“We’d also like to thank Wayne Nyland of Forest Fitness who has loaned us some extra bikes.”

Donations can be made by visiting www.justgiving.com/12hoursofspinning.