AFTER completing a gruelling 1,300-mile cycle ride around Ireland, a Herefordshire man has raised £3,000 for charity.

Shaun Haydon, from Titley, near Kington, embarked on the fund-raising trip with a difference to raise money for Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Charles Renton unit appeal.

Shaun, who turns 40 later this year, is a keen cyclist and rode from John O'Groats to Land's End a few years ago. This year, he decided to undertake a long-distance cycle ride in order to celebrate his birthday with a memorable event, while raising money for charity at the same time.

Shaun said: "I surprised myself that I was able to handle it as it was a daunting challenge and I cycled from 7am until 7.30pm most days, which was pretty tiring."

He added: "I would be happy to do a similar thing again, except I think I would do it at a more leisurely pace."

The managing director of a software company covered at least 75 miles every day, meaning that he finished his ride within two weeks and he kept family and friends updated with his progress through his online diary.

Anyone who would like to contribute can go to www.drude.co.uk