Land’s End to journey’s end for Graham, 71

Cyclists Peter Geraghty and Graham Hahn with pal Alan Hardy who provided free transport to Scotland

A SPRIGHTLY 71-year-old cyclist has pedalled his way through tough terrain and wild weather to complete a 1,000 mile charity challenge.

Grandfather-of-two Graham Hahn, from Schofield Street, Hathershaw, joined pal Peter Geraghty (53), from Middleton, on a sponsored cycle ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

The pair, who set off from Scotland on May 10, faced gale force winds and heavy rain during their 987 mile journey.

After pedalling an average 60 miles a day, they finally reached their destination last week, raising hundreds of pounds for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice — but vowing never to do it again!

Mr Hahn said: “We’ve known each other for the past four years and decided to do this challenge just for ourselves at first.

“But the more we told people about it, the more sponsorship we were promised so we picked Dr Kershaw’s as our charity.

“The cycling was very hard, not just because of my age but because we were cycling into the wind for the whole journey.

“Most people go from Land’s End to John O’Groats for that very reason but we were offered a lift to Scotland with our friend Alan Hardy so started from there.”

A keen cyclist in his teenage years, Mr Hahn gave up the hobby in his 20s before rediscovering his passion for the pedals just eight years ago.

Although he has vowed not to complete another challenge like it, Mr Hahn remains an avid cyclist — despite one of his bikes being stolen from under his nose during a stop for a pint at a Middleton pub on his return from the challenge.

He said: “I’ve never done anything like this before but I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved.

“The feeling of achievement overides the aches and pains and bad weather.

“When I got back from the trip, my family had decorated the house with a ‘Congratulations’ banner so they were equally proud.”

Anyone wishing to donate can still do so by calling Dr Kersahw’s Hospice on 0161-624 2727.