A RETIRED business director from Saffron Walden, inspired by one of Britain’s best-loved comedians, took on an epic bike to raise funds for cancer research.

A SAFFRON Walden man, inspired by one of Britain’s best-loved comedians, took on an epic bike to raise funds for cancer research.

Bill Pike took the best part of three weeks to cycle round England and raised �3000 for Cancer Research UK.

He said: “I have lost too many friends to cancer and decided I wanted to do something to help Cancer Research.

“I was inspired by Eddie Izzard running marathons around Britain and thought I could ride my bike around England – that would be different.”

The retired business director covered 1700 miles in 27 days over four different stages.

Starting in July and finishing in September, the trip included going to Lands End and over the Lake District and Pennines to Newcastle.

As part of the ride, Mr Pike went travelled on ferries over coastal rivers and massive bridges, including the Severn Bridge and the Humber Bridge. He stayed in bed and breakfasts, and carried everything from his toothbrush to all the clothing he needed on his bike.

“The worst moment was a force 5/6 storm in Cornwall and getting soaked and blown across the road,” he said. “Oh, and getting charged at by a sheep on a bike track in the Pennines!”

It was trip well worth it - Mr Pike presented a grand cheque to the manager of the Saffron Walden Cancer Research shop, Lisa Drinkwater, last week.

Mrs Drinkwater said: “I would like to congratulate Bill on such a fantastic achievement in a short space of time.

“It is great to have local people doing such challenges to help us to fund Cancer Research. The money will go into our national funds and will help us to beat cancer together.”