A CYCLIST has raised more than £3,000 for charity, with a gruelling 1,000-mile ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats...

completed in just ten days.

Robert Smith, 27, of Coventry Road, Hullbridge, took on the epic challenge after the death of his grandparents.

Jean and Ernie Smith were both 75, and died within weeks of each other.

Jean suffered from Parkinson’s disease, so Robert decided to raise money for Parkinson’s UK – a charity which has spent 40 years searching for a cure, and supporting people, and their families, who are living with Parkison’s.

Robert rode a staggering 100 miles day on the ten-day trip and admitted to feeling a little saddle sore on his arrival home.

He said: “It was tough. I’d get up at 7am for breakfast and then hit the road, finishing between 6.30pm and 7.30pm every day.

“The last two days I had good weather, but it rained every other day.

“I lost half a stone, but my behind and legs are bigger. I’d have two dinners at a pub each night to replace the 6,500 calories I burned each day.

“I’m glad I did it though, and am amazed to have raised £3,200 so far, with a bit more to come.”

Robert’s proud wife Courtney Moakes, 27, was left at home looking after the couple’s two young sons, Frankie, one, and three-year-old Danny.

She said: “I am very proud of him.

“His grandma died of Parkinson’s disease and his grandad died three weeks later.

He wanted to do this in their memory.

“We are all glad he’s back.

Danny hasn’t stopped asking about him.”