Christian Smith: JustGiving Fundraising Page of Killed Cyclist Tops £50,000

The JustGiving page of a father-of-three who was killed on a 24-hour charity cycle ride has received more than £50,000 in donations since his death.

Christian Smith, 38, of Boughton Aluph, died in a collision involving a blue Peugeot 206 near Whitstable, Kent.

Smith was attempting to cycle 248 miles around the county in 24 hours for the mental health charity Mind.

After the news of his death and his fundraising attempt spread on social media, the total number of donations on Smith's JustGiving page soared to more than £50,000.

"Thoughts are with your friends and family; nobody should ever fail to return home from a ride. RIP," wrote Ryan Poole on the page.

"We as a family have struggled with my son's mental health over the last couple of years. What a brave and uplifting feat you undertook. My heart goes out to your devastated but proud loved ones," added Lois Cowell.

Chief executive of Mind, Paul Farmer, also paid tribute.

He said: "We were shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic death of Christian Smith. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.

"Mind is grateful for the continued dedication of all our fundraisers, without whom we would not be able to support the hundreds of thousands of people affected by mental health problems across England and Wales."

Two people have been arrested following the incident on the A2900. A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and an 18-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and causing death by dangerous driving.

PC Jamie Woodhams appealed for witnesses.

He said: "Information has come to light regarding a taxi, which is believed to have passed the scene shortly after the collision travelling from the Chestfield/Swalecliffe roundabout towards Whitstable.

"I do not believe this driver was involved in the collision but I believe he or she could hold valuable information for us and I'd urge the driver to contact me as soon as possible."