A DOG trainer from Bradford on Avon who started cycling to overcome his mental health issues cycled from John o’ Groats to Land’s End to raise money for Diabetes UK.

Pete Anders, known as ‘Paj’ to his friends and family, completed the 874-mile bike ride in support of his nephew, Max, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Mr Anders, 34, pictured right at Land’s End, said: “It was really tough but I’m glad I did it. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and after Max was diagnosed with diabetes I had even more reason to do it.

“On the first day out I managed to do 121 miles, which was a real challenge, but some of the views in Scotland were beyond breathtaking – it’s a shame I was riding as I would have taken lots of pictures.

“I was cycling with a bad knee pretty much the whole way as I damaged my tendons on the final practice ride. There were some really big inclines along the way, especially in Scotland, which made it especially tough.

"The reason I started cycling is because it released good endorphins which helped to combat my depression and I’ve loved it ever since.

“Nobody expected me to finish the ride though before I set off which made me even more determined to finish it. I had to fight through a lot of pain but I’m so pleased I did it.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to PT Cycles who carried out work on my bike free of charge, my work for sponsoring me and Cre8 World in Trowbridge, who made t-shirts for people to wear in support.”

Donate to Mr Anders at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Paj-Anders?utm_source=Facebook.