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Two arrested after charity cyclist killed

24 Mar 2014 Whitstable and Herne Bay
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A second person has been arrested following the death of charity cyclist Christian Smith near Whitstable.

A 19-year old man from Herne Bay was arrested this morning on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving; an 18-year old woman was arrested at the weekend on the same charge and for driving with excess breath alcohol.

Christian was aiming to ride 248 hours in 24 hours to raise money for Mind, the mental health charity. He had written:

“This is an attempt to cycle the full 24hrs and the full distance, largely unsupported (because nobody is stupid enough to volunteer!). So there are no motorcycle outriders, support vehicles or hot chicks to wipe my brow.
“It is going to be a tough course with over 11000ft of climbing in 248 miles. The route forms a pretty red line around Kent, into Sussex and back up past Tonbridge towards Medway, across to Swale and home. In time for tea and a slice of cake.
“As much as this being a physical effort, it will also be a mental struggle, enduring a long dark night alone, knackered. Not to mention the long training sessions ahead of me to prepare.
“So why am I doing this? In short I want to support the charity MIND, raise awareness towards the great support that they offer, and help bring an end to the stigma that is attached to those who suffer from mental health problems. I have had my own misfortune to suffer from a spate of poor mental health, which was unexpected and has been a real 'game changer' in how I now view the future. It has been a tough road to get to this point but I have been fortunate enough to have the support of my family and friends.
“There are those who are not so fortunate to have the same level of support and understanding. They suffer in silence and are alone. This challenge is for those people.”

Since his death at around 4am on Saturday, donations in his memory have reached almost £50,000. You can donate at his JustGiving page.

PC Jamie Woodhams of Kent Police said: “We are continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward. In particular, we would like to speak to anybody who saw the Peugeot travelling along the road prior to the collision.” You can call PC Woodhams on 01622 798538.

In a statement, Christian’s family confirmed: “Christian Smith, of Boughton Aulph in Kent, was killed in the early hours of Saturday morning, while cycling to raise money for the MIND charity. Christian leaves a loving wife and three children.”

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