We hear about hundreds of cycling fundraising events every year, but none which have ended so dramatically. 

A non-stop charity bike ride from Manchester to Gibraltar was abandoned after two cyclists were hit by a van in Kent travelling at an estimated 60mph, putting them in hospital. 

The fundraising event in aid of Help for Heroes was set to be an awesome challenge; cycling some 1500 miles non-stop from Manchester to Gibraltar. The bike ride was to be a relay of four riders, with pairs of riders cycling for four hours at a time. 

However former Royal Marine Matt Lavery and ex-Royal Engineer Dave Dickinson were hit by a van close to Maidstone, on the A249, which resulted in the fundraising attempt being abandoned. 

Matt Lavery told road.cc "The ride has been abandoned, although initially there was a split between the crew involved about whether the other two riders - Jo Cadwaller and Gaz Davies - should attempt to carry on. We'll regroup and have a look at  having another crack." 

The team received a lot of support on Twitter from wellwishers, and if you want to drop these brave guys a note you can do so @pedalsformedals. Equally you can donate to their charity bike ride via the bmycharity page here. 

Also take the time to watch this incredible video about their challenge and it's dramatic end...