CHARITY cyclists Simon Warburton and Nigel Preston have raised more than £1,250 from a memorable marathon cross-country challenge.

The friends used their pedal power to cycle 960 miles in 10 days from Lands End to John O’Groats in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

They stopped off along the way in Knutsford for a photoshoot at the Courtyard coffee house with Simon’s colleagues, who joined the cycling marathon for a few miles to show their support.

Simon and Nigel live in Knutsford, and Simon is a dentist at the Gaskell Avenue dental practice in Knutsford.

Joining the challenge for 10 miles in the Knutsford area were fellow Gaskell Avenue dentists Alastair Kennedy from Northwich and Jonathan Eaton from Mobberley, and hygienist Karen McBarrons from Congleton.

The charity cycle has raised £1,000 from family, friends and practice patients, and a further £250 was donated by generous members of the public along the way.

“I have been a keen cyclist since I was a teenager, and have always wanted to do the Lands End to John O’Groats route,” said Simon.

“It was an amazing journey, and I would do it again. We got up early on the last day, and it was absolutely beautiful cycling along the north coast from Bettyhill to John O’Groats.”

Simon and Nigel had a relatively trouble-free journey, although there was drama when they had to shelter twice from lightning strikes.

In addition they had a puncture, a torn tyre, Simon had to reassemble his gear cassette, he lost his pump and Nigel lost the use of his front light as they were arriving in the dark at an overnight stay.

“We cycled for between eight and nine hours a day, and did about 95 miles each day,” said Simon.

“Nigel’s Achilles tendon swelled up in the last two days, and my knees were quite sore.

“I would like to thank everyone for donating and supporting us. People gave us money along the way when we stopped to chat, including someone who donated £20.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation can do so online at justgiving/Simon-Warburton.