The #ChatForCharlie night was a sell-out, raising £10,405 for @RideForCharlie, the fund set up by the parents of Hayfield cyclist Charlie Craig in his loving memory to help support young off-road cyclists.

The evening at New Mills Art Theatre on Friday 24 November was compered by TV commentator and three-time Olympic medallist and double Track World Champion, Rob Hayles from Hayfield. Hayles was joined on stage by two of Britain’s top cyclists, Ian Stannard (Team Sky) and Ben Swift (UAE Team Emirates) and Team Sky Coach and Performance Manager, Rod Ellingworth.

The 500-seater auditorium was packed with the audience hearing behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the riders’ time on the British Cycling Academy to riding the Tour de France.

More than £3,000 was raised from the on-the-night raffle alone. Prizes including a framed Vuelta jersey signed by Team Sky’s Chris Froome, 2 hospitality tickets for the Tour of Britain, a junior Frog Bike donated by Team Sky, £500 of Rental Cars and a Powerpod Power Metre donated by Kutoa.

£1,000 was also generously donated by Dave Genders from the Bottle Stop Off Licence in Bramhall and Will’s Wheelers club members.

Charlie’s Mum and Dad Sarah and Nick Craig and friends and family were in the audience. Dad Nick said, “The #ChatForCharlie evening was a celebration of Charlie’s life. The money raised will help us support up-and-coming young riders and hopefully inspire the next generation of British cyclists. Thanks to Rob, Rod, Ben and Ian, everyone who bought tickets and donated prizes and to all the staff at New Mills Art Theatre for making it such a special night.”