A 500-MILES cycle challenge between Twickenham and Murrayfield has raised more than £110,000 for charities chosen by two legends of the game.

From Thursday through to Saturday afternoon more than a dozen former international rugby players pedalled between the national stadiums to benefit causes selected by former British & Irish Lions, Tom Smith and Doddie Weir.

Led by former Scotland captain and Lion, Rob Wainwright, the cyclists crossed into Scotland during the early hours of Saturday morning.

The gruelling climb over the Carter Bar was made all the harder by gale-force winds.

But, following a pit-stop at Jed-Forest’s Riverside Park, the peloton had reached Carfraemill by 8am.

And waiting to greet the riders was Doddie Weir.

Doddie told us: “This is unbelievable – cycling 500 miles in two days to help myself and Tom Smith.

“You wouldn’t do that kind of distance in your car.

“The players I spoke with said it’s been horrific out on the road with the weather.

“Rob Wainwright has been the most amazing supporter ever since I was diagnosed with MND.

“There are donations coming in right, left and centre.

“Everyone who has done this ride is amazing.”

Doddie's courageous campaigning since his diagnosis with motor neuron disease has led to millions being raised for research into a cure and also to provide support for fellow sufferers.

The 49-year-old lock, who won 61 caps for his country, believes 2020 will be a watershed year for research into his debilitating condition.

He added: “This is the start of good things to come into research of MND.

“Events like this have allowed us to spend money into trials and these are now starting.

“I’m still here after three-and-a-bit years which is good, but the sad things is that a lot of other people who had MND aren’t here.”

All proceeds from the Wounded Lions cycle challenge will go to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation as well as 40tude, which helps to fund pioneering research projects, targeted at the early diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer.

Tom Smith, who won 61 caps for Scotland and made six appearances for the British Lions, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.

Despite undergoing chemotherapy, the former prop still completed the first 20 miles of the challenge.

Joining Rob Wainwright for much of the challenge were the likes of Paddy Johns and Peter Wallace from Ireland, Wasps legend Paul Volley, Scottish stars John Barclay, Kelly Brown, Damian Cronin, Paul Burnell and Roger Arneil, along with Paul Wallace and Peter Winterbottom of England.

John Hall, who won 21 caps with England, pedalled every mile from Twickenham.

The 57-year-old told the Border Telegraph: “It’s been tough but at the same time it’s been brilliant.

“It’s been a monumental trip with tremendous support from rugby clubs all the way up – what an amazing support there is for Doddie and Tom.

“I played a couple of times against Doddie, and I met Tom at the start of the ride. For someone going through chemotherapy, it was amazing for him to ride 20 miles with us.

“These are two great causes with the rugby family pulling together.”

The inaugural Wounded Lions ride last year between Murrayfield and Twickenham raised £65,000.

This year’s ride had already surpassed the £100,000 target by Sunday morning.

Donations can be made at the Wounded Lions 500 fundraising page - uk.virginmoneygiving.com/WoundedLions500