DESPITE terrible weather, illness and getting knocked off his bike, an intrepid pensioner from Fordingbridge is celebrating his success after cycling the length of the UK to raise funds for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

Gerry Read, 71, cycled from Lands End to John O’Groats, and has raised over £3,100 for the charity.

On his return Mr Read said: “I completed the end to end despite gale force winds, pouring rain, being knocked off my bike, spending four days with a tummy upset, and losing a stone in weight.

“Other than that there were no problems. The company who organised the ride did a wonderful job so thanks go to them, and all of us finished the ride in good spirits.”

John Perry, chief executive of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance said: “Our most sincere thanks go to Gerry for this tremendous effort on our behalf and he knows these funds will be put to the very best use, helping to keep our air ambulance flying and saving lives.”

Mr Read, a regular cyclist since the age of 18, started the ride on his 71st birthday on September 1.

He also once held the 12-hour record for the Salisbury Road Club for 18 years for cycling 252 miles in 12 hours.

Anyone wishing add sponsorship for Mr Read’s efforts can do so via his charity page at www.justgiving.com/gerrysbigride