A MAN from Warbstow and his friend have tackled over 15 hours of cycling in memory of loved ones and to raise funds for two charities close to their hearts.

Dan Benford, from Warbstow, and his friend James Cartlidge ventured upon Boscastle Hill with their bikes earlier this month to continuously cycle until they reached over 30,000ft — the height of Mount Everest. Taking 15 hours and 56 minutes to complete, the pair cycled 41 reps of the hill.

Dan lives in Warbstow, and works at Camelford Leisure Centre. He told the Post before the challenge: “For training, we’ve just had to keep out riding — we’ve time travelled and done quick racing. There is no particular training method for this, we’ve just got to keep ourselves cycling to prepare.”

Dan lost his grandfather David Benford approximately five years ago to a form of fibrosis, which has spurred him on to do something for a charity close to his family’s heart — the British Lung Foundation. James rode in memory of his close friend Andrew Flynn, who sadly died during his early 30s due to cancer, and fundraised for Starlight, a children’s charity.

Although the pair race regularly, this challenge was on a different level, according to Dan. The challenge, taking place on Sunday, August 5, saw Dan and James take no breaks — only a quick toilet stop when needed. Having climbed over 30,000ft and completed 41 reps of Boscastle Hill, from 5.45am to 10pm in the dark, the boys are ecstatic to have raised almost £1,500 for the two charities.

Dan said: “It was one of the hardest things we have done, and was an emotional rollercoaster!

“We would like to thank our families for their support, my girlfriend Naomi Waters, the Locker family and all who came out on bikes to show support, and just general locals who spectated and supported. Huge thanks also to Iain and the team at Boscastle Spar shop for huge support and the free bottle of champagne they donated for us at the end of our challenge, and staff at Sharon’s Plaice for the free pizzas they provided, as well as huge support.”