THE mayor of Knutsford has completed his gruelling 24-hour cycle challenge despite being in pain.

Cllr Mike Houghton was determined to carry on after suffering a leg injury.

The dad-of-two started his marathon at 3pm on Friday, December 2 at Anytime Fitness in Canute Place and finished with a spin class in the gym at 3pm the following day.

“I pulled a muscle on my leg at 11pm on Friday,” said Cllr Houghton. “I was in quite a bit of pain but I wanted to carry on as I didn’t want to let all my sponsors down.”

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The mayor was delighted to be joined by friends, who cycled alongside him on a ‘buddy bike’ for an hour at a time.

“It went faster with someone with me.” said Cllr Houghton.

“Out of the 24 hours, I had somebody cycling with me for 21 hours.”

Knutsford Guardian: The mayor of Knutsford Cllr Mike Houghton joined for an hour on his challenge by Amanda PorterThe mayor of Knutsford Cllr Mike Houghton joined for an hour on his challenge by Amanda Porter (Image: Knutsford Town Council)

The mayor said he enjoys cycling and came up with the idea to raise funds for his two charities.

“I was inspired by the previous mayor Stewart Gardiner’s 12-hour danceathon,” said Cllr Houghton, who took a 10 minute break every four hours so was actually pedalling over 25 hours.

“I had no idea how it would go or whether I could do it.

“My wife made sure I was eating. Food and lack of sleep wasn’t an issue, it was just the pain in my leg.

“Sitting on a bike seat for 25 hours isn’t something I’d recommend.”

Bad weather meant he was unable to train in the run up to the challenge.

Knutsford Guardian: The mayor of Knutsford Cllr Mike Houghton joined on his cycling challenge by Cllr Andrew MalloyThe mayor of Knutsford Cllr Mike Houghton joined on his cycling challenge by Cllr Andrew Malloy (Image: Knutsford Town Council)

However, mayor was thrilled to beat his £2,400 target, aiming to raise £100 for every hour and has already hit almost £3,000.

All the funds are going towards his two charities, Knutsford Scouts and trying to set up a Men’s Shed in the town.

“I’m delighted with all the money raised,” said Cllr Houghton.

“A big thank you to all my sponsors. It was a tremendous effort from everyone.”

The event was streamed live on the mayor’s social media.