Donations to cyclist Christian Smith who died while raising money for Mind pass £50,000 in a day

Father-of-three Christian Smith, who was killed when he came into collision with a blue Peugeot 206 on the A2990 Old Thanet Way, near Chestfield (PA)

Nearly £60,000 was donated last night in memory of Christian Smith, the charity cyclist who died after being knocked off his bike near Whitstable, Kent, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Mr Smith, 38, was attempting to circumnavigate the counties of Kent and Sussex in aid of the mental health charity Mind when he collided with a blue Peugeot 206 car on the A2990, near Chestfield.

Police yesterday announced the arrest of a 19-year-old man from the Herne Bay area on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been bailed until 27 July. It came after an 18-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and causing death by dangerous driving and released on police bail.

Mr Smith, who leaves behind a wife and three children, had said his struggles with mental health had been a “game changer” and shaped his view of the future. Before his death he had assigned himself a fundraising target of £1,000.

News of his death generated an outpouring of tributes, with hundreds of donors taking to his online donation page.

As donations exceeded £58,000 last night many were accompanied by messages.

“You did not die in vain Christian. If you could just see how much has been donated to your cause you would be very proud as we are of you,” wrote one.

Another said: “Such a tragic and unfortunate thing to happen to somebody who wanted to help other people.”

Mr Smith, from Boughton Aulph in Kent, had set out on Friday to complete a 248-mile journey (399km) around Kent in 24 hours.

Outlining his aims before the race, Mr Smith wrote: "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."

Police in Kent are looking to speak to a taxi driver in connection seen to have passed the scene shortly after the collision travelling from the Chestfield/Swalecliffe roundabout towards Whitstable.

PC Jamie Woodhams, of the Kent Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "I do not believe this driver was involved in the collision but I believe he or she could hold valuable information for us and I'd urge the driver to contact me as soon as possible."

Donations are being accepted at www.justgiving.com/KentEpic, while those with information are asked to contact Kent Police on 01622 798538.