More than £15,000 has been collected for the Paul Ward and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children through a sponsored cycle ride organised by a Killinchy father.

Paul English, whose daughter Francesca was diagnosed with a nine-centimetre brain tumour earlier this year, set out with a group of cyclists last Saturday to trace the route between the hospitals involved in her care. The ride began in Killinchy and took in Lagan Valley Hospital and the Ulster Hospital before finishing at the specialist children's unit in Belfast.

Francesca English, aged three, became unwell during a family trip to Portrush in April. She was seen initially at the two regional hospitals and was later transferred to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, where she underwent an emergency operation. Her symptoms included a turn in her eye, a headache and nausea. She is now recovering at home.

Funds were raised through the Little Heroes charity, which supports the hospital. Paul English said the total raised, which came from friends, family and work colleagues, was unexpected and that the charity had indicated sums of this size are more commonly backed by corporate donors. He added that beyond the money, he hoped the effort had increased awareness of Little Heroes NI and the work of the hospital, describing it as a way to repay the care his daughter received.

Donations can still be made via the family's JustGiving page.