Radio presenter Benedict Smith got some support from shoppers for his marathon charity bike ride.

Kmfm's Benedict is training hard, ready to cycle the length of the country from Land's End to John O'Groats at the end of the month.

He popped up to Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre to tell people about his ride and to collect cash - he came away with more than £200 towards his £2,000 target for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Benedict, who is based at the station's studios on Medway City Estate, said: "I wanted to do this because Marie Curie does some amazing work and it's vital that we keep their service going. All the money I raise will stay in Kent and go towards funding their nurses.

"Kmfm supported Marie Curie last year with a sponsored trek up Mount Kilimanjaro and my boss Steve Fountain, who was one of the team, inspired me into taking up a fundraising activity on their behalf."

Benedict has always wanted to walk from Lands End to John O'Groats, but as that could take up to three months he has opted for the 10-day bike ride.

"I've been training for about four months now so I'm hoping I'll be able to feel the benefits of building up my leg muscles and preparing my bottom for new levels of numbness," he said.

"Since I've embarked on this challenge I have a deepened my respect for anybody who tackles any feat of a sporting nature."

His epic journey starts on July 28 and he will have the support of a 40-strong team who will be completing the journey while fundraising for Marie Curie.

Benedict added: "My mission is to get from Lands End to John O'Groats, minimising pain, maximising sponsorship and wearing as much Lycra as humanly possible - that's what cyclists do, isn't it?"

To sponsor Benedict, go to www.justgiving.com/kmfmbenedict.