THE grandfather of a four-year-old epilepsy sufferer has completed a marathon 12-hour charity bike ride.

Darren Clare, aged 48, spent all day on his turbo trainer bike in a bid to raise cash for the Young Epilepsy charity.

The cause has been close to Mr Clare’s heart since his granddaughter, Isabelle, was diagnosed with a severe and complex form of the disorder.

He completed the ride between 9am and 9pm, raising more than £400 from donations, at the Total Fitness gym in Waters Meeting Road.

Mr Clare, who has previously raised money for the Christie children’s hospital in Manchester, said: “It went brilliantly.

“Other members at the gym were very generous on the day, and some even rode alongside me for as long as they could manage, as we had two bikes set up.”

The businessman founded his own company, Portfolio, in 1995 and will compete in endurance event Ironman for the third year running this summer.

He added: “Ever since Isabelle was diagnosed, all the money I’ve raised has gone towards Young Epilepsy.

“They actually approached me about doing something like this — the next thing is the London marathon, which I need to raise £3,000 for.”