African charity cycle adventure

Chris Oldfield, from Battyeford, cycled more than 250 miles in just five days in sweltering 35-degree temperatures around the western cape of South Africa, raising £8,000 for Regain, along with his friend Rod Dyer.

“It wasn’t only the heat,” he said. “There were a lot of steep parts on the course too. In total we did about 3,000 ft of ascent a day. That was very difficult.

“But it was all worth it - South Africa is such a beautiful country.

“They have had social and political problems there, but through it all, the people were very welcoming and still have a great sense of pride in their country.”

Chris, 49, was part of a 32-person party who, between them, raised more than £50,000 for Regain – a charity which helps tetraplegics who have had sports injuries. In addition to this, Chris also raised £250 for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Although the ride took it out of him, Chris said he is not stopping there.

“Me and Rod are looking into possibly taking part in a similar race in Jordan in 2015,” he said.

“It’s even hotter out there, so if we decided to do it, there would be some serious training involved beforehand!”