A 42-year-old man, who was diagnosed with diabetes more than 30 years ago, cycled 170 miles in a day to raise money for Diabetes UK.

Jason Searle set off from his Wisbech home and headed towards the Norfolk coast passing through Kings Lynn and Sandringham before taking the coastal route through Wells next the Sea and Cromer.

His original plan was to ride 150 miles, but the ride was increased by a slight “miscalculation” leading to him returning home around 12 hours and 170 miles later, travelling through Lakenheath and Mildenhall.

Jason, who has Type I diabetes, said he has always enjoyed good health and credits the successful management of his condition to keeping active.

He said: “I have always enjoyed cycling but wanted to set myself a bit of a challenge although I didn’t bank on adding those extra 20 miles to the route. “The ride went well and thanks to the support of my back up crew, my Mum and Dad, I felt pretty good even when I had finished.

“I was diagnosed when I was nine years old but it has never held me back. I’ve always managed my condition myself including injecting myself from day one, after practicing on an orange.

“Exercise is a key part of me managing my diabetes and I hope this shows that the condition is no barrier to enjoying life.”

Mr Searle has collected more than £500 from friends and family following the event at the beginning of August.

Sharon Roberts, Eastern Regional Manager for Diabetes UK, said: “Jason’s attitude and his challenge is amazing. He is proof that living with diabetes is no barrier to enjoying a full and active life and as Jason has found being active can also help to manage the condition.

“No one knows exactly what causes Type I diabetes, but it’s not to do with being overweight and isn’t currently preventable.

“However people like Jason help fund ongoing research which aims to create a world without diabetes.”

You can donate to Jason’s cycling challenge fund by visiting http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/searley71