FROM a gruelling cycle challenge to an elegant summer ball, an Okehampton man's fundraising efforts have raised thousands of pounds for Exeter Leukaemia Fund.

Dave Mugliston cycled from John O'Groat's to Lands' End from September 7 to 13, taking on 930 miles and 47,500ft of climbing in just one week. He was part of an eight-man cycle team, with two support drivers. Charity cyclist Dr Tim Watson and support driver Trevor Cousins are also from Okehampton.

Dave and Tim decided to take on the 'End to End Challenge' after they both completed their first ever triathlons. The challenge saw them average 140 miles a day.

The son of support rider Trevor Cousins and Dave's brother-in-law Neal Cousins died 16 years ago following a fight against leukaemia, and ELF is a charity close to the heart of everyone in the family.

As part of the fundraising, Dave and his wife Fiona organised a summer ball and auction held at Okehampton Rugby Club on Saturday, July 13, raising just over £5,500. Since then fundraising has continued by Dave and Tim, and has now reached £7,500.

On the penultimate day of the challenge, Dave (pictured above) presented a cheque to Hayley West of Exeter Leukaemia Fund at the White Hart Hotel, alongside Tim and the rest of the cycling team.

Dave and Tim are already planning their next challenge. Dave's wife Fiona said: 'They are already planning something. They've not said anything yet, but there are rumblings in the background, and you can never stop those two!'

If you would like to donate money to the cause, contact Dave Mugliston on [email protected]">[email protected] or 07766 021637.

Picture by Ian Snell