Workers at Machine Part Engineering in Hanchett Hall told the business's owner, Rob Haylock, they would get in training if he completed the 930-mile journey, which despite pulling his achilles just days before departing, he managed to do.

Ten employees have now pledged to join Rob, 49, for the feat and will do it in aid of Alfie Long, the severely-disabled seven-year-old from Kedington whose parents need to raise £50,000 to adapt their family home for his needs – as featured in last week's Echo.

Rob said: "They didn't think I could do it when my achilles went. Now it's their turn.

"They are not that keen on it, but I think it's only fair because that's what they said.

"When you look at how that young man (Alfie) has to cope with life, cycling end to end didn't seem such a big deal to be honest."

His injury meant Rob had to put his leg in ice at the end of each of the nine days of the challenge.

He was helped by Christine Jefferys, who gave him acupuncture and ultrasound at Haverhill Osteopathic & Sports Injury Practice before he departed, then kept in touch with him throughout his journey.

The tough conditions saw two of the 12 participants retire, and one stage that included a climb up to Rannoch Moor and descent to Glen Coe in high winds, hail and rain was particularly tough, as Rob's diary extract revealed.

He said: "I knew I was going downhill yet I was pedalling furiously but only doing 6mph.

"The wind was so strong it was blowing me back.

"To cap it all I got a slow puncture. My fingers were so cold I couldn't move them, so I couldn't repair it.

"I had to stop every three miles and pump it back up."

The 50-mile cycle will start and end at the Barnardiston Arms, Kedington, on Friday, July 17.

If anyone would like to contact the 11 cyclists they can be called on 01440 762584, or e-mailed at robert@ machinepartengineering.com