‘That was the hardest challenge I’ve ever experienced’

Pete Bullock (second from right) with his cycle challenge team mates, from left, Chris Nattras, Phil Muff and Andrew Robertson, at the finish at Land's End EMN-200910-105654001

Pete, together with Philip Muff and Andrew Robertson, pedalled 1,000 miles from John’s O’Groats at the tip of Scotland to Land’s End in Cornwall in just 10 days.

They raised more than £11,500 for Pancreatic Cancer UK 10 years after Pete’s friend, Paul Huddlestone, died from the disease, aged 27, just 15 days after being diagnosed.

After completing the challenge, Pete told the Melton Times: “It was an unbelievable and unforgettable experience looking back, but without doubt the hardest physical and mental challenge I’ve ever experienced.

Pete Bullock is congratulated at the end of his team's epic cycle fundraiser by the parents of his late friend, Paul Huddlestone, Gwyn and Phil EMN-200910-102948001

“The final couple of days through Cornwall were so tough, the weather was almost too hot and the relentless hills were draining, but somehow, we did it.

“We have achieved everything we set out to do, smashing our £10,000 target, raising greater awareness of pancreatic cancer, and reminding Paul’s family he is not forgotten as well as continuing his legacy of helping others.

“Paul’s parents, Gwyn and Phil, joined us along the way, including at the start and finish posts, which made it extra special, and poignant.”

Pete and Paul were inseperable growing up in Melton, attending Sherard playgroup, Sarson School and the old King Edward VII School together, playing football for Mowbray Rangers and even buying their first homes around the same time.

Pete Bullock (left) with best friend Paul Huddlestone, who passed away from pancreatic cancer aged 27 EMN-200910-105752001

Despite going off to university, they remained close and continued their frendship into adulthoood.

Pete joined forces with Paul’s family to raise more than £30,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK in a bid to raise awareness of the disease, which has the lowest survival rate of all common cancers.

But taking on this cycle challenge was the toughest fundraiser he has taken on so far.

When they set off from John O’Groats the trio, accompanied by friend Chris Nattrass in a support vehicle, the trio were cycling into 40mph headwinds for 60 miles.

Pete Bullock and Paul Huddlestone (left) pictured during their happy childhood days in Melton EMN-200910-105802001

Pete recalled: “The enormity of the challenge hit home and personally it was a battle to get through the last 50 miles that day, as I’d picked up a thigh strain.

“Day two saw us cycle in the rain for the first five hours, and day three we cycled up four mountains in the Cairngorms, as well as passing two ski resorts.

“At one of these I strained ligaments in my right knee and was told by a physio I may not be able to go further.

“Each day thereafter was a huge physical and mental battle, but dosed up with painkillers and through gritted teeth, each day was completed.”

Andrew and Phil suffered severe pains in their knees in the final five days, while Pete and Phil lost some movement in their hands which hasn’t yet fully returned. They all experienced aches and pains associated with cycling for so long over 10 consecutive days.

Pete added: “At various stages we were joined by family and friends for a period of time which was a huge boost.”

Go to www.justgiving.com/jogle4paul to sponsor the Pete and his friends.