Diss man David Appleton, who completed the cycle ride from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise money for Diabetes UK.

A Norfolk fundraiser has collected over £2,500 for the charity Diabetes UK after completing a 960 mile cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

David Appleton, 50, from Diss, was inspired to complete the challenge on September 8 by his wife Sophie, who lives with Type 1 diabetes.

He said: “Obviously with Sophie’s condition I wanted to raise money for Diabetes UK, and knowing the fantastic work the charity does for people with diabetes just made me want to do it even more.

“I am delighted to have completed the challenge, and despite cycling between eight and 10 hours a day for nine days, it was certainly worth it.

“It was a brilliant experience and most importantly we’ve raised a lot of money.

“There were certainly a few tough moments along the way – like riding 135 miles in a day from Glasgow to Fort William into a 25mph headwind over Rannoch Moor – but I made it in one piece so it was a big success all round.”

Louise Rout, regional fundraising manager for Diabetes UK’s eastern region, said: “We are delighted that David completed the challenge, and that he has raised such a fantastic amount of money along the way.

“Diabetes UK receives no government funding, so the money donated by wonderful fundraisers like David is made all the more invaluable.

Anyone who would like to donate to Mr Appleton’s fundraising appeal can do so at www.virginmoneygiving.com/davidappleton/4.

September marks the first anniversary of the launch of Diabetes UK’s 15 Healthcare Essentials campaign, which outlines the services every person with diabetes should have access to.

For more details, visit www.diabetes.org.uk/15-essentials.