Donations have topped £4,000 for Nick Cann's epic cycle challenge this weekend which he is undertaking to raise money for a stroke charity.

IFP chief executive Nick is on long term sick leave recovering from a stroke he suffered in March 2013 - but he has set himself the task of riding 100 miles through Wales despite his difficulties.

The stroke left him with weakness on his right side and communication problems related to speech.

He has spoken of the "personal challenge" ahead as he undertakes the gruelling physical endeavour - which is set to take place on Saturday.

Along with a number of other participants with physical disabilities, he will take part in the 100 mile CARTEN bike ride from Cardiff to Tenby to raise £5,000 for the Stroke Association.

He said: "I know many of you will be thinking I'm mad and as you know I wasn't a cyclist before my stroke I but feel this will be a personal challenge.

{desktop}{/desktop}{mobile}{/mobile}

"I am cycling on my own bike and I am part of a team of 10 others with disabilities of varying degrees. Some are cycling on tandems, others using hand bikes."

A hilly course awaits for Nick, who said: "I am hoping for an Easterly breeze so I will get pushed along. This isn't easy and I whilst I have been training in the gym it is different riding a bike on the road.

"Changing gears with my right hand is a problem so I am hoping to have the bike adapted and I also find I lean to the right as I have a weakness there."

He added: "I am raising money for The Stroke Association Wales – you can support me and others like me with strokes via the link below. Thanks for your continued support."

His wife Jo will be his support rider there to encourage him to keep going.

She said: "This is a really tough challenge but Nick is determined to give it his best shot."

IFP communications director Sue Whitbread said: "Nick, as we all know, is a man of many talents, however, unlike his wife Jo, Nick is not exactly well known for his cycling prowess.

"So from all of us at the IFP we say well done to Nick for attempting this huge challenge for such a great cause. You are an inspiration to us all and we hope you smash your fund raising target."

Since suffering the stroke Nick has been working hard to recover and has made a number of appearances at IFP events.

https://www.justgiving.com/Nick-Cann