SCORCHING temperatures, unforgiving hill climbs and the closure of the Port of Calais were just some of the hurdles Bradford on Avon cyclist Ben Howard faced when completing his London to Paris cycle.

The 29-year-old, of Avon Close, cycled the 310 mile journey to raise money for Macmillan cancer support after his dad and grandfather died of the disease with his mum still suffering from breast cancer.

Over four days, Mr Howard completed the demanding ride along with 84 other cyclists who were cycling for the same cause, eventually reaching the final line in the centre of the French capital.

“It was overwhelming hearing everyone beeping their horns and clapping as we cycled the final stretch to the Eiffel Tower,” Mr Howard said.

“There were so many tourists taking pictures and it was just out of this world, plus I felt like a proper celebrity.

“The support people have given me is just amazing and it was their donations that made me think I had to finish it.”

Despite the challenge being met with many obstacles, Mr Howard knew he had to complete the cycle to say thanks to the charity that supported the family during a difficult time.

“The whole trip was extremely hard and there were many times where I could have easily chucked my bike into the hedge but it was the sense of achievement that got me through it," he said. "Because there was such a big group of us, you never cycled alone and there was always someone coming up and talking to you so we got each other through our low times.

“There were some really challenging hills but the heat was the thing that tested me. There was nothing I could have done to prepare myself for those temperatures and it was absolutely boiling so I had to make sure I drank plenty of fluids.”

To his disbelief, he has managed to surpass his fundraising goal of £2,500 and is now planning his next mission to continue his support for Macmillan.

“The money raised will allow Macmillan to help other families going through what my family has been through.

“Mum has now finished her treatment and is finally able to begin rebuilding her life, it has been a very tough year for her, and she is absolutely remarkable. This lady has shown me the true meaning of the word determination and has supported me from start to finish with this challenge.”

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/Ben-Howard3.