DETERMINED Pedmore Technical College deputy head David Scriven relied on pedal power to pull out all the stops when he cycled from Lands End to John O' Groats to raise funds for Cure Parkinson's Trust.

David was accompanied by four friends for the classic cycling trip as they covered the 970 mile distance in just nine days.

The former England rugby player and county youth cricketer described the journey as an experience of a lifetime.

The 55-year-old has already raised close on £2,000 for the charity but admitted: “The first two days were pretty tough coming through Cornwall and Devon as there is a lot of climbing.

“We were also hampered by spokes breaking and a rear derailleur failure.

“Luckily each time bike cycle shops accommodated us immediately when they knew what we were doing.

“As riders, we got into as pretty strict regime, awake by 6am, breakfast 6.45am, then unload bikes off van, pack luggage and be on the road for 7.45am.”

The quintet were joined by friends for the third stage of their adventure from Hereford to Shrewsbury, which David described as great moral support.

Blakedown-based David added: “We also suffered heat stroke the day we went over Shap summit in the Lake District when temperatures hit over 30 degrees and we finished that day 10 miles short.

“Then we got soaked in Scotland on day seven when storms, thunder and lightning slowed progress.

“But on the final day, a tailwind aligned itself perfectly to blow us along the north eastern coast of Scotland through Wick and onto our final destination where we had an emotional reunion with our families.

“I'd like to thank everyone who has supported and donated.”

Anyone who would like to support David further can by going to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-scriven.