Peter's cycle challenge helps helipad appeal

Peter Cockell (56), of Norfolk Avenue in Burnley, biked from Blackpool to Scarborough and raised £704 for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital’s Helipad Appeal.

Peter, who worked as a police officer in Pendle for 30 years, completed the 144.7 mile ride in a time of 9hrs 37mins.

And that was made even more impressive by the fact he had to battle a headwind for the entire journey as he rode east.

Peter said: “I’m very happy with that time as I had a strengthening headwind all the way.

“I set off from Blackpool at 6am and to get to Scarborough at the time I did, I’m completely made up.

“Rather than starting at the tower, I started at the Big One which I thought was more appropriate.

“I only had one puncture at York when I hit a pothole. I was coming up to a break spot and I took my eye of the road for a second when I hit it.

“Fortunately I got it fixed while I was stopped having a coffee and other than that it went very smoothly.

“It was nice to have the family come and greet me at the end of the ride and I filled up a bit, it was quite emotional.

“I would just like to say a big thank you to everybody who has donated money, it is for a great cause.”