They made it. After 26 days in the saddle, the ‘two blokes on their two bikes’ powered up the final hill in Benalmadena to finish their 2,000 mile charity cycle outside the offices of EWN at lunchtime on Friday. They were greeted by a gathering of more than 40 well-wishers, friends and family, most of whom had flown over from the UK to greet Paul Kearns and Steven Tindall at the end of their epic journey.
“We’re two minutes late,” joked Paul as he got off his bike and embraced his family. The pair of amateur cyclists set off from Baildon, Bradford, 26 days ago in order to raise money for two charities – Tomas Leighton Care and Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Without experiencing one single puncture along the way, they tired pair were “overwhelmed and relieved” to have finished their 2,000 mile journey. With over £10,000 (€12,500) raised, Paul and Steven enjoyed a Champagne reception outside sponsors EWN’s offices to celebrate their feat.
“It’s been an unforgettable experience and one we’ll never forget as long as we’re alive,” said Paul. “It was tough going and at times it was very difficult and testing, but we’ve made it and enjoyed it along the way. Everybody we met along the way, from the UK to the south of Spain, has been so great.”
Steven added: “It was a really long distance and it was hard going, especially cycling through Spain, but we’re relieved now that we’ve done it.”
Nine-year-old Tomas Leighton – who suffers from Cerebral Palsy and cortical blindness – was in Spain to greet his two heroes who powered their bikes through three countries to raise money for his cause. The two cyclists plan to recuperate and rest for a few days in Spain before heading back to the UK. “We won’t be doing much cycling this week,” they joked.
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