After battling exhaustion and adverse weather, a cyclist and kayaker has completed two charity challenges which saw him travel from Devon to Norfolk.
He had a momentous challenge to tackle – 24 hours of kayaking followed by a 300-mile cycle.
But Richard Brooks picked up his paddle and strapped on his helmet last weekend to complete his Man vs Hell challenge, in aid of two charities close to his heart.
The Necton sports enthusiast paddled a total of 15 7km loops along the River Dart in Devon, then cycled across the country back to Watton. He completed the challenge in 53 hours and 20 minutes.
After the feat Mr Brooks, who works at Sue's Canoes in Watton, said: 'I feel better than I should. It was what I was expecting.
'There were a few mental moments, but everything went to plan. The support team were good and kept me going through it all. It was definitely tough; we were hit by bad weather and had a few sketchy moments, but other than that it was good.'
After straining his wrist early on, Mr Brooks battled to complete his 24-hour paddling challenge with his support team standing by.
His ensuing cycle ride was beset by bad weather, which combined with his own exhaustion meant he spent part of the higher altitude journey around Bath travelling in the team's van. However, after a pit stop to refuel and spurred on by the flatter terrain in Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire, the keen cyclist managed an average speed of 16.5mph in the final 45 miles.
So far the 36-year-old has raised over £4,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and the Simpson's Memory Box Appeal (SiMBA), but hopes to reach £5,000.
He said: 'The fundraising total is absolutely brilliant. It would be nice to get a bit more, but it has got way more than I ever thought it would.'
To donate to Mr Brooks, go to www.justgiving.com/Richard-Brooks15
Are you undertaking a charity challenge? Email bethany.whymark@archant.co.uk
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