AFTER 3,000 miles, one year and £3,500 raised, a committed fund-raising duo have completed the gargantuan Land’s End to John O’Groats Challenge.

Dale Kempson of Spencer’s Wood and colleague Jamie Stead from Tilehurst, cycled the iconic 1,000 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats in 15 days.

The Parker’s estate agents raised thousands of pounds for community charities and schools in Burghfield Common.

Dale Kempson, 55, revealed that challenge had grown from a small venture into something pretty mammoth, with the aim of raising money for their village.

He said: “After 15 years in the village, last September we decided to do this bike ride to give something back to the community.

“What began as an idea for a 15 or 20 mile bike ride exploded and spiralled out of control.

“As someone who hasn’t been on a bike for 40 years this was a huge achievement.

“Jamie stepped into the breach in March, having not been on a bike in a few years.”

The duo averaged 66 miles a day with one day giving them a huge leg of 85 miles to cover.

“It was much tougher than anticipated and certainly challenged us both,” said Mr Kempson “Once we reached the finish in John O’Groats it was very strange.

“What had been a very important part of our lives for so long was suddenly gone overnight. It was very emotional.”

“Other than one or two health issues, as a result of being on the bikes for so long.

“The ride took us through the whole of the UK and we were lucky enough to have had 970 miles of clear skies”.

During their training rides the two cycled over 2,500 miles each.

The funds will go towards Thames Valley Air Ambulance, Guide Dogs for the Blind and six local schools. Donations can still be made at their JustGiving page ‘Parker’s Estate Agents’.