The Downing brothers’ Out of the Saddle charity night raised more than £4,000 for the Danny Porter Foundation on Saturday.

UK pros Kristian House, Malcolm Elliott, Adam Blythe, Lizzie Armitstead, Chris Walker, Graham Briggs and Tom Murray and Rapha Condor Sharp’s DS John Herety turned out in support.

Rapha Condor Sharp’s Dean and Team Sky’s Russell were joined Eurosport commentator David Harmon, who hosted the evening, which followed a 50-mile ride earlier in the day.  

Items auctioned included a signed Alberto Contador yellow jersey, a Team Sky jersey signed by the team, Mark Cavendish’s HTC-Columbia kit, a limited edition signed Dean Downing Bike Pure print, Rapha Condor Sharp clothing as well as a host of hard-to-find items sourced by the pairs’ professional contacts.

“What a night,” said Dean. “It was an absolutely fantastic evening out, everyone was really enjoying themselves.

“It’s a really important cause and we decided to support a local charity this year, the messages sent out were really touching and I think that reflected with people putting their hands in their pockets.”

The Danny Porter Foundation will provide donations and grants to other charities providing research, support, care and equipment to people suffering from cancer and/or requiring neurological surgery.