IT was with a huge sense of achievement - and relief - that the nine-strong team involved in the James and the Giant Bike Ride rode into John O’Groats last Tuesday, after setting off from Land’s End.
“It was fantastic, we arrived at midday and were greeted by around 30 family and friends,” said James Wojda of Whitchurch, who with his friends embarked on the challenge to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
James suffers from CF and with his pals, decided to highlight the cause and raise funds.
“We were all so happy to have finished, it was amazing,” said James, who works as a local cricket coach. “Helmets and jackets went flying and we opened the champagne. We had a great celebration up there with the backing team.”
He said that his body is still recovering from its exertions - and he had a bad run of luck in the final days before the challenge when he had to spend some time in hospital.
“My upper body is fine, but my lower body is aching - it is almost worse now I am not on the bike!” he said. “It was a huge challenge, and on day two I was in pain and finding it really hard, but everyone else gets you through.”
He had a major problem when he blew the fuse in his nebuliser and had to go three days until a replacement could be delivered.
James added: “After six months planning and training it’s sad it’s over, but I must give huge thanks to all our supporters, my friends and family and the team.”
The challenge has raised well over £10,000, to add to this can visit www.justgiving.com/ teams/Jamesand the GiantBikeRide.