A CYCLIST has completed a gruelling 3,500km 'challenge of a lifetime' to help raise money for a children's toy appeal.

Peter O'Malley, from Wilmslow, completed the massive Giro d'Italia route - roughly equivalent to 83 marathons - facing steep climbs and adverse weather on the way.

The 51-year-old accountant, a director at Afford Bond, was part of the firm's group which was raising money for The Toy Appeal, a North West charity aiming to make Christmas Day special for thousands of children living in poverty.

Despite being a keen a triathlete for 25 years, Peter said the Giro d'Italia challenge tested him and his group, who have so far raised more than £50,000.

He said: "The Giro d’Italia is a cycling challenge of a lifetime and it put us all to the test.

"It’s completed in 21 stages and overall, we cycled some 3,500km at an average of 164km per day and climbed approximately 51,000m. On one day we completed a climb 16 times higher than the Eiffel Tower.

Knutsford Guardian:

"As a team we faced every possible condition on and off the road including extreme heat and exhaustion.

"Twenty-three days later we passed the finish line in Rome, massively relieved to have raised a substantial sum to make Christmas better for many children across the region.”

To ensure every penny went to charity, the group took a month off work and self-funded the trip.

Peter added: "We’re delighted with the generosity of friends and clients who got behind us in the Giro d’Italia. Their support is still being received.

"So far, we have raised more than £50,000 which will make a big difference."