A patient whose life was saved by the skill of a North-East brain surgeon has raised more than £3,000 for hospital funds.

Andrew Buckle roped in his best friend Jonathan Thompson for a marathon coast-to-coast cycle ride to say thank you to the health professionals who saved his life.

The cash will be used to buy neurosurgery equipment for the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough and to develop team skills.

In 1999 Andrew, now 25, from Danby in North Yorkshire, was beginning a promising career as a chef when tiredness and lapses of concentration made him have to leave the job he loved. Tests showed he had a tumour the size of a hazelnut deep in his brain.

Consultant neurosurgeon Mr Phil Kane from Middlesbrough General Hospital carried out an operation to reduce the pressure in Andrew's brain which was threatening his sight.

A short time later Andrew had a further major operation to remove the tumour and afterwards he had to undergo weeks of radiotherapy treatment.

Four years after surgery Andrew has embarked on a new career as a trainee accountant.

Andrew says he is "immensely grateful" to everyone at Middlesbrough General's neurosciences department and the radiotherapy department at The James Cook University Hospital.

To demonstrate his gratitude, Andrew and Jonathan cycled from Whitehaven to Sunderland, raising more than £3,000 the process.