A HOLT accountant decided to celebrate his 40th birthday by cycling over 1,000 miles with his friend and raising £6,000 for charity.The determined duo from north Norfolk, Stuart Swanson and neighbour Rob Linge, cycled from Land's End to John O'Groats, on behalf of three charities.

A HOLT accountant decided to celebrate his 40th birthday by cycling over 1,000 miles with his friend and raising £6,000 for charity.

The determined duo from north Norfolk, Stuart Swanson and neighbour Rob Linge, cycled from Land's End to John O'Groats, on behalf of three charities.

Stuart, senior manager at Larking Gowen's Holt office, said: “I was hitting 40, and wanted to do something memorable and personally challenging, while raising money for local causes.

“The first day was a disaster as I had a crash and the wind was against us. We rode on and completed the trip in just over 13 days.”

Stuart was accompanied by Gulf War veteran, Rob Linge, who lost his arm in the conflict.

Rob, who had cycled the journey a few years ago, was raising money for the British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association (Blesma), which gives help and support to those who have lost their limbs in the Forces.

Frank Garsid, a representative of Blesma, said: “We are delighted to receive the sponsorship money. The money will help us continue to give counselling and caring support to assist people in their recovery and rehabilitation”.

Stuart and Rob also raised money for Macmillan Cancer Support after Rob lost his mum to the disease, and the Motor Neurone Disease Association after Stuart's mother died recently.

Since the trip Rob's father has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing treatment.

Graham Linford, fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support, and Malcolm Chubbock, a volunteer from the Motor Neurone Disease Association, both thanked the two cyclists for their efforts. Mr Chubbock added: “It is a wonderful achievement to complete this massive challenge and shows a huge commitment to those living with Motor Neurone Disease.”