Pedal power takes Simon from Scotland to March in less than a day to raise money for Magpas

Cambridgeshire Forklift truck driver Simon Whittaker cycles more than 370 miles in less than 24 hours for charit (Image: Archant)

Simon Whittaker, a forklift driver with Greenvale raised more than £1200 for the air ambulance charity.

He pedalled from the company’s Scottish site near Berwick on Tweed to Floods Ferry in March with only his support vehicle, loaned by Heritage 4 x 4, and driven by brother-in-law Chris Saunt, for company.

He said: “I am delighted to have raised this money for such a worthwhile charity and chuffed to have done the ride in such a great time.

“It makes the nightly training sessions and sacrifice all worthwhile and has certainly kept my fitness levels up ready for my next challenge. Now I am looking forward to a long hot bath.”

Simon, who two years ago was among a team that broke the former world record for the longest game of rugby in the world – 24 hours and 51 minutes, was determined to do the trip in less than a day.

He set off from Duns at 6.45pm, arriving at 4pm less than two days later at Greenvale’s Floods Ferry site.

He was cheered onto the finishing line by his colleagues and wife Melloney and two children Abigail, 12 and three year old Malcolm John alongside his mum, dad, brother, sister and nephew.

Greenvale Marketing Manager Tracey Mattock says the company is very proud of their charity cyclist. She said:” We thought it was an amazing challenge but knew he would rise to it.”

3B Designs donated the support signs for Simon’s vehicle and Andy Carroll of Ryderbike donated the bike spares.