A RETIRED man from Merton has raised more than £2,000 for the Samaritans Exeter and mid Devon branch after completing a mammoth cycle challenge.

Mike Bendix, aged 68, otherwise known as 'Merton Mick', completed his charity ride from Land's End to John O'Groats on Sunday June 10 after 16 days of hard cycling. He was greeted by his wife Anne and his two daughters.

Mike said: 'I actually have no feelings about the ride, I don't have any sense of achievement — to me it was just a bike ride every day for 16 days.

'Yet when I stand at John O'Groats and see other people arriving from Land's End I feel so pleased for them, everything they have done and overcome to get to the finish line. I think to myself, yes, you have done it, well done.'

Mike retired in 2009 and used the challenge as a way to keep himself fit. He injured his achilles tendon and found keeping fit a struggle. However, cycling caused him no pain, and he now uses his bike to keep himself fit.

The challenge was surprisingly dry for Mike, who only had to endure cycling in the rain for four hours during the whole challenge. He also managed to keep a good pace, completing at least 51 miles each day.

He decided to support the Samaritans, having worked for the charity as a volunteer in the past.

The Samaritans branch for Exeter and mid Devon needs between £35,000 and £40,000 annually to keep running, and the branch is also in need of refurbishment works.

The branch is currently looking at plans to improve access for disabled callers and volunteers, create dedicated areas for new services like text and e-mail support, and improve the centre's training facility, which is currently housed in a small basement room.

Mike has set up a specialist blog so people can find out more about his endeavours at mertonmick.wordpress.com

You can donate to Mike's fund by text message, up to a total of £10. Text MBCC12 followed by the amount, for example MBCC12 £5 to 70070.