A FATHER has completed an epic cycle challenge travelling from Land’s End to John O’Groats to support the hospital staff who helped his daughter.

Richard Hasted embarked on the journey to raise funds for Basingstoke hospital’s neonatal unit, which helped him and his wife Emma when their daughter Sophia-Louise was born three months early.

Being around the nurses and doctors in the neonatal unit and seeing how hard they work to help premature babies inspired the 33-year-old to do something as a thank you for the support he and Emma received.

So far, the Baughurst resident has raised more that £4,460 through his challenge last month, with some donations still to be collected to reach his £5,000 target.

Mr Hasted and his dad Steve set out from Land’s End with no support crew and no back-up bike.

The pair covered more than 960 miles in nine days and the most they travelled in one day was 145 miles.

Mr Hasted said: “The weather was on our side, we only had rain one day and it was great to have my dad come along and do it with me.

“I think that the toughest part was right at the start going from Cornwall to Devon where there was just lots of short sharp inclines.

“Whereas when we got to Scotland even though there were hills it was more of a steady climb and you could take in the views.”

The father-of-one added: “It was good thing that we were getting our eight hours of sleep, as well as plenty of cider to make sure we were rested.”

When asked if he would do the trek again Mr Hasted added: “Definitely. I thought I would be smashing my bike up with a hammer at the end of it but I am so glad I did it and I would 100 per cent do it again.

“I mean if we can do it, I think anyone can and if what we did has inspired anyone to do the same that is just great.”

To donate to Mr Hasted’s charity drive, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/Richard-Hasted.