600-mile cycle ride for Danny

WE’VE made it! . . . from left, Andrew Creamer, Tim Rea, Stephen Creamer and Russell Littlewood

THEY battled arctic weather, 600 miles of track and 22,000ft of climbs, but four determined bikers have returned to Greenfield triumphant after an epic charity challenge.

A heroes’ welcome was in store for lads as they made it home to Church Meadow, Greenfield, from the seven-day ride through England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, to raise money for their wheelchair-bound friend, Daniel Bewley.

Friends and family gathered as Russell Littlewood, Tim Rea and brothers Andrew and Steven Creamer got off their cycles.

Russell (25) said: “The motivation of doing it for Danny was there, we had the worst weather imaginable and there were times when we could have said enough is enough, but it couldn’t have been for a better cause and it made us keep going.

“It was physically and mentally challenging but we know without doubt that if any one of us was in Danny’s position, he would not hesitate a second to do something similarly ludicrous.”

The cycling quartet had to overcome snowstorms in Ulster and cycle in wet clothes as power cuts prevented them from drying their gear overnight.

As yet they do not know how much they have raised by their efforts.

Danny, their friend of over 20 years, suffers from the degenerative condition myoneurogenic gastrointestinal encephalopathy.

One of less than 100 sufferers in the world, the 24-year-old from Greenfield can no longer use his hands and legs, due to the effects of the disease. Daniel’s mother and full-time carer, Norma, said: “The friends have always remained so close, it’s incredible what they have done for him.”

Daniel underwent a bone marrow transplant last November to help halt the damage caused by the disease.

To donate to the Daniel Bewley Trust Fund call in the Uppermill branch of Natwest.