Intrepid cyclist Daniel Cavender is back on home soil after cycling 1,821 miles from Rome to Swindon’s Great Western Hospital.

The 39-year-old, of Purlyn Acre, Marlborough, set off on the challenge on May 12 to raise at least £5,000 for the hospital’s Osprey Ward for outpatients with serious conditions.

Mr Cavender, a mature student at Plymouth University, made it to the hospital doors on Friday afternoon.

He said: “It was an amazing experience.

“I met people I didn’t know who let me stay with them and cooked for me.

“One day I could be in 28 degree heat and the next I’d be cycling in the rain and it would be eight degrees.

“I couldn’t have hoped to be in better condition. I’m a little stiff in the top of my knees but I’m better than I could have been.”

The journey took four-and-a-half weeks of solid cycling, with Mr Cavender taking days out to visit friends.

He said: “I ended up going the length of the French Alps – 550 miles more than I was expecting to do. I wasn’t used to the altitude so I found it quite freaky.”

He was inspired to take up the ride after volunteering at GWH for two years and supported his charity challenge by designing a fundraising website.

Mr Cavender is busy making the finishing preparations for a sports auction at Marlborough Golf Club on September 13. On the evening he will give a talk about his journey and guests have the chance to bid on items including tickets to the Cheltenham Gold Cup, mountain bikes and shooting at Barbury.

To sponsor him or buy tickets, visit www.gwhcharitychallenge.org