Challenge of a life time is complete

TWO men returned home on Monday to the sound of bagpipes after spending two weeks completing the biggest challenge of their lives . Kevin Burton and Simon Chaplin, both from Leverington, set off from Land s End, Cornwall, on September 3 and, after cyclin

TWO men returned home on Monday to the sound of bagpipes after spending two weeks completing "the biggest challenge of their lives".

Kevin Burton and Simon Chaplin, both from Leverington, set off from Land's End, Cornwall, on September 3 and, after cycling 931 miles through mainland Britain, arrived at John O'Groats, Scotland, 12 days later.

They arrived back at GreenStones, Peterborough, where Mr Chaplin works, early on Monday and were led in by a piper and had a champagne breakfast.

Mr Burton said: "I would like to thank all the people who have helped, supported and sponsored us over the last six months."

Their ride, for which they spent just over 67 hours in the saddle, has so far raised £3,700 for two charities; the Raynaud's & Scleroderma Association, and the Arthritis Research Campaign.

The route took them through Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, before travelling through the West Midlands and West Yorkshire. They reached Scotland on the seventh day and, after cycling through the lowlands and highlands, arrived in John O'Groats.

Mr Chaplin said: "Day two was the hardest. Every time you turned a corner in Devon there seemed to be another hill, and a steep one at that.

"By the time it got to mid-afternoon I was on my last legs and ready to give up. If it had carried on like that I never would have completed the challenge."

- It is still not too late to sponsor Kevin and Simon and help them to reach their target of £10,000. To donate, drop in to see Christine Chaplin, at G W Frank butchers in Wisbech Market Place, or send your contribution directly to Mr Chaplin at work at GreenStones, 9 Commerce Road, Lynchwood, Peterborough. Donations can also be made through the Just Giving website, www.justgiving.com