A Cumbria engineer has completed a 10-day cycle challenge from Land's End to John o'Groats.
Andrew Waggot, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipment engineer at Sellafield Engineering Centre of Excellence in Cleator Moor, was part of a three-man team that took on the challenge to raise funds for Spinal Research.
The trip was organised by Mr Waggot, along with friends David Manuel and Drew Gill, in honour of Mr Waggot's brother-in-law Connor Hughes, who suffered life-changing spinal cord injuries after breaking his neck playing rugby in 2014.
The challenge was completed in June, marking a decade of resilience, courage, and determination shown by Connor since his injury.
The group raised more than £12,000 for the charity, exceeding their original target of £10,000.
The route was planned so Mr Hughes could join the group for sections of the ride in a specially-modified wheelchair cycle.
Mr Waggot, who lives near the Sellafield site, said: "We wanted to do something to celebrate the vitality and resilience of Connor.
"His commitment to living a happy and fulfilling life despite his injury is inspirational and I can’t think of a better cause than the wonderful Spinal Research charity that has helped support Connor over the last decade.
“To exceed our target is fantastic and we’re very grateful to all who came out to support us across the country.
“The weather was in our favour and we had such a brilliant time on the trip.
"Having Connor along for sections of the ride was brilliant – and something we never thought he’d be able to do after his rugby injury.”
Sarah Hughes, Mr Waggot's sister, drove along the route, providing refreshments, repair kits, and sandwiches.
Suzanne Redding, community fundraising manager for Spinal Research, said: "Today we are finally at the stage where exciting function-restoring treatments are being tested in human trials which offer real hope that curing paralysis will be the medical breakthrough of the 21st century.
"We are so proud of Connor for the way he continues to overcome the challenges caused by his spinal injury.
"His passion for helping others and his determination to live his life on his own terms is humbling."
Connor, who lives in Kelso, has been appointed a fundraising ambassador for the charity.
He said: "I am so happy to have achieved this goal - I never thought I would cycle again, let alone be part of a team challenge with my closest friends.
"Spinal Research has been vital to my recovery over the last 10 years.
"I am really pleased we exceeded our original target and I can’t wait to get started on the next challenge."
Every two hours, someone in the UK is paralysed after a spinal cord injury.
Mr Waggot said : "We’re all very proud of Connor and it was a special feeling to hand over more than £12,000 which will go towards helping other people living with spinal cord injuries.
"I am also very grateful to my colleagues at the Engineering Centre of Excellence who supported the challenge and donated towards the final total."
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