TWO friends raised �5,000 for their chosen charities after completing a 1,000-mile cycle ride from Lands End to John O’Groats.

Gary Waldock-Goude and Mark Stevens, both of March, completed 969 miles over 13 days, completing 294,000 pedal revolutions and burning 28,800 calories.

Together they raised money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Cancer Research UK.

Mr Waldock-Goude’s aunt Teresa died from complications caused from MS in 2006. His mother Elaine and Mr Stevens’ mother Sue have also suffered from breast cancer.

The fundraisers thanked friends and family for their support, as well as Martin Ingram and Jennie Petchley at Josef Seibel of March and Paul Cope and Elaine Coates of March foods.

Mr Waldock-Goude also said: “We could not have done it without my wife; Alex and our dog Polly. Alex kept us fed, watered, safe, warm, entertained and enthusiastic through the whole trip.”

Laura Stephens, Fundraising Officer at the MS Society said: “Gary and Mark have not only completed an extremely tough ride, they have also raised a fantastic amount for their chosen charities.

“The money they have raised for the MS Society will go a long way and allow us to continue supporting people affected by multiple sclerosis.”

Emily Ford, Area Volunteer Manager for Cancer Research UK said: “Gary and Mark have completed an amazing challenge, something to remember but also made all the more worthwhile by the fantastic amount of money they raised for the two chosen charities.

“At Cancer Research UK every �1 that is raised, we spend 80p on our work to beat cancer. We receive no government funding for our research – it is funded entirely by people like Gary and Mark, and we are so grateful for their support.”