A TORRENTIAL rain storm, tyre punctures and some tired legs all proved to be hefty obstacles for a group of kind-hearted cyclists who saddled up for an epic journey.

But the intrepid bunch, who are based at a Whitefield gym, overcame the setbacks to complete their 148-mile journey in memory of late friend Paul Burbery.

After raising £1,845 in memory of Paul, who died from a heart attack earlier this year, the team have pledged to repeat the charity cycle next year — when they will be even more ambitious.

"It was a hell of a challenge, but next year we want to do it again and, this time, we will all do the full journey rather than as a relay. It's all in Paul's memory."

Paul was a physiotherapist at Prestwich Hospital and trained four times a week at Total Fitness in Elms Square, with the help of Pro-Fit trainers.

The 53-year-old died just minutes after a gym session and more than 500 mourners attended his funeral in May.

He leaves wife Julie, who is a psychiatric nurse at the hospital, and daughters Jennifer, aged 21 and Lottie, aged 15.

Paul's death stunned his friends and family as he was very fitness minded, travelling everywhere by bike and had his own allotment plot.

However, post-mortem tests showed that he suffered from a genetic condition that affects the heartbeat called cardiomyopathy.

One of his personal trainers Adam Cummins said: "A lot of us knew Paul well through the gym and his death was such a shock. He was so young and so fit.

"I remember once that Paul had mentioned that his mum ran a pub in Hereford and that, one day, he cycled down to see her as a surprise. That is what gave us the idea."

On August 22, Adam joined colleagues David Perry, Lauren Maxwell, Nathan Taylor and Shaun Herr for the cycle to Hereford, riding along B roads.

On the way, the group had to take shelter in a Good Samaritan's house after a torrential rain storm broke out.

Adam said: "It was very tough going at times. The rain soaked us and we suffered punctures and all sorts of other setbacks, but I was proud how everyone kept at it to the end. I was elated to get there.

"We made it to the Welcome to Hereford sign and celebrated in Pizza Hut before heading back by car.

"Julie was delighted that we made it and that we've raised so much money."

The proceeds will go to the North West Air Ambulance, a charity that has helped the Burbery family in the past.

To make a donation to the appeal: visit tinyurl.com/paulburbery