A REDHOUSE grandad says he wanted to take on a 970km cycling challenge to show he isn’t getting old. 

Stephen Herridge, a sales director who retired in 2015, cycled for nine days from Land’s End to John O’Groats as part of the Deloitte Ride Across Britain challenge. 

The 66-year-old set off on September 4 with the other riders and completed between 94 and 119km every day to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.

Stephen said: “I needed a challenge to get through the first part of retirement. 

“I wanted to do something to make me feel like I wasn’t getting old at 66, but also to raise money for a worthy cause.

“The camaraderie was fantastic. Any time someone had a dip, there was always someone to support you. 

“There were tricky moments where I had to dig deep mentally to get through the day, particularly on day eight. 

“However, I am a stubborn person and I think my stubbornness came out there.”

Riders had 12 hours to complete each leg of the race. 

Although Stephen usually finished his days after 10 hours, he had a couple of close shaves when he took over 11 hours to get across the line. 

Besides the physical challenge, he faced other trials along the way including camping, bad sleep and midges. 

He added: “Camping was tougher than the cycling. I used to love camping but now I only get three or four hours of sleep a night. 

“I threw my sleeping bag into a dustbin because that’s the last time I’m going to camp.”
Family and friends came to support Stephen at various points on his journey. 

The route took him through his home village in Warrington where he was greeted by mum Doreen, dad Cliff, sister Shirley, daughter Louisa and 6 year-old granddaughter Emilie.

He said: “It was great to see people on route because it gave you a real boost.

“The most emotional I got was when I cycled towards Perth and a group of elderly people were cheering and ringing cowbells. 

“It brought a tear to my eye to see the smiling faces.”

Stephen trained hard for the mammoth challenge and cycled 7,000 miles around Swindon this year to prepare. 

He has so far raised £4,340 for Prostate Cancer UK and said: “It was a no-brainer for me. I chose this charity because I know so many men, family, friends and colleagues who have had prostate cancer or who have it now.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com and search Stephen Herridge.