THREE friends have raised thousands of pounds for the MND charity on their ‘End to End’ bike ride.

Richard Ayre, land and planning Director at Newton Abbot based housebuilder Baker Estates, and three friends have completed the gruelling 1,000-mile ride from Land’s End to John o’Groats in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association charity.

Richard, who describes himself as an occasional cyclist, joined Dave Rickhuss, Zac Nashed and Chris Stoppard who all live in and around Bovey Tracey. The group took 14 days to complete the epic journey which spans the length of the United Kingdom.

The ambitious venture saw Richard and his friends pedal their way through diverse terrains, battling harsh weather conditions, undulating landscapes, and pushing through the fatigue, all in the name of raising funds for the less fortunate.

Between them, the group have raised more than £6,000 for Motor Neurone Disease Association, The Samaritans, Cardiac Risk in the Young and Cancer Charity Force.

After two weeks in the saddle, the group arrived at their destination at 6am after, and had the obligatory John o’Groats signpost photos taken.

Richard said: ‘Undertaking the Land’s End to John o’ Groats charity bike ride has been an incredibly challenging and rewarding journey.

‘The support and encouragement we received from friends, family, and well-wishers along the way were truly motivating and heartwarming.’

Baker Estates donated £500 to Richard’s fundraising efforts.

Ian Baker, managing director at Baker Estates said: ‘Richard and his friends’ incredible feat serves as an inspiration to others, urging them to embark on their own charitable pursuits. Everyone at Baker Estates were behind him the whole way and delighted he completed it.’

Richard picked his 50th birthday milestone for the challenge and was inspired to raise funds for MND Association after seeing two rugby players – Doddie Wier and Rob Burrow – suffering from the incurable disease.

Richard added: ‘I wanted a challenge to mark my 50th birthday. I was moved seeing the bravery of the two rugby players who have been on the news talking about their struggle with MND which is a terrible disease and needs a cure. It gave me all the motivation I needed to complete the trip.

‘It was a very tough challenge, and we rode through all sorts of weathers. One weekend it rained for two days solid which didn’t help the mood! My favourite part of the trip was passing over the ski resorts in the Cairngorms – it was spectacular. We didn’t get off our bikes once which was our mission and we all managed to ride the whole way – all 1000 miles – even the 20% gradient hills which were lung busting!’

You can still back their cause at https://www.justgiving.com/page/richard-ayre-1686556057460?newPage=true