UK Tram Technical Officer, Dan Hill, has donated nearly £4,500 to an AIDS charity after taking part in a gruelling cycle ride on the other side of the Atlantic.

Friends and colleagues from across the light rail industry helped Dan raise the cash as he trained for the annual AidsLifeCycle in California.

The 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, helps raise vital funds for people living with HIV/AIDS, supporting services such as testing, prevention and care.

Since 1993, participants have raised more than $200 million and this year more than 2,500 cyclists took part.

Dan explained: “This was the first time I’ve taken part, so wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, but nothing had prepared me for how amazing, tiring and rewarding the week-long event would be.

“I only knew one other person taking part in the event, but by the end of the seven days I met many amazing people who had helped me along the ride on days when I was tired and wanted to give up and go home.

“This was a life changing experience and one I will never forget,and I’d like to thank my family, friends, work colleagues and the many people I’ve never met but heard what I was doing and helped me to raise $5,339.72 (£4,402.65).

In total this year, $16,7million dollars was raised from all the cyclists and roadies who took part in the event.