A BRAVE cyclist from Redditch, along with his two friends, pedalled just under 1,000 miles to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Parkinson’s UK.
Rob Oliver, Matt Wheeler and Jonathon Dicks cycled the iconic Lands’ End to John O’Groats long distance route.
During their time on the road the three men averaged an incredible 100 miles per-day for 10 days straight.
Rob said: “Regardless of the weather conditions – be it sun, rain or thunder we just kept going.
“It was incredibly hard work but we made it in the end.
“Some of the trip was the most gruelling cycling terrain in the country. We must have climbed around 50,000 feet overall.
“The purpose of it all was to raise money for our friend Alan Carter, who is suffering from MND.
“It’s heartbreaking to see him like this. His energy is deteriorating faster than we anticipated.
“He was all set to take a trial-drug which might have helped combat the disease, until he had to start using an external ventilator.
“This means he is now ineligible for the trial. It’s a very cruel twist of fate.”
Alan, also an avid-cyclist, joined his friends for the last three days in Scotland to cheer them on.
Matt Wheeler, who used to work with Alan, said: “Seeing him really made the difference and gave us the extra-motivation needed.
“He would have been able to do this ride with us 12 months ago but now is barely able to stand. I’m truly devastated.
“In regards to the challenge, I found it to be a brilliant experience even though I suffered in agony with an inflamed knee for the last few days.
“But our aches and pains are nothing compared to what our friend is going through.”
The three men have raised £10,391 so far, beating their original target of £10,000.
If they include gift-aid, more than £12,000 was raised all together.
For more on the trip visit deadlegz on Facebook.
