Former Tigers try machine and England legend Rory Underwood has helped to raise more than £8,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK completing a 100-mile bike ride. 

Rory, who clocked up 134 tries in a Tigers jersey, took part in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey100 event alongside more than 90 other cyclists.

The former wing finished the circuit in just under nine hours and is hoping to hit a target of £10,000 in total to support the charity.

Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity, dedicated to causes, diagnosis, prevention, treatment and cure.

Underwood played for Tigers for 14 years and is currently on the board of directors at the club, alongside running a team development consultancy called Wingman Ltd.

Speaking after the event, Rory said: “It was an experience. I have never been in a mass participation event before - the last time was the Triathlon in London about 10 years ago. 

“Riding out in the towns and villages and seeing and hearing so many people supporting you was very motivating. 

"I nearly didn’t even start. I had a gentlemen beside me on the start line who couldn’t get his cleats into the pedal and fell into me, knocking me over but keeping him upright. As I rolled over onto the road, he waved a bit of an apology and cycled off!"

Rory was inspired to sign up for the charity ride as his mother-in-law Jen has Alzheimer’s disease and is now living in a care home.

“I have raised about £8,300 so far and I will endeavour to get that as near to £10,000 as I can in the next month or so for Alzheimer’s Research UK.”

Over 850,000 people are living with dementia in the UK and that number is rapidly rising.

You can still donate to support Rory and the work of Alzheimer’s Research UK by visiting the JustGiving page below.