Epic cycle in aid of Always a Chance

Buy photos » Rob Hotchin, Steve Joiner and Paul Hough in Liverpool, on their epic charity cycle in aid of Always a Chance. (s)

THREE FRIENDS have cycled 1,000 miles to raise £6,500 for the charity set up to honour Florida murder victims James Cooper and James Kouzaris.

Rob Hotchin, Steve Joiner and Paul Hough had to endure rain, hail, wind and even snow as they complete more than 100 miles a day for nine days on the route from Land's End to John O'Groats.

Rob said: “This was without doubt the hardest thing I have ever done.

“Getting on the bike at 7am every morning and not getting off until 7pm that night for nine days straight was a challenge to say the least.

“The hardest day was going through the Cairngorms up in the north of Scotland. We climbed 1,500ft that day battling with strong winds, sleet and snow.

“Without the thoughts, well wishes and kind donations from everyone there was no way we would have made it, so thank you to everyone who helped in some way shape or form.”

The money goes to ‘Always A Chance’, established in the memory of James Cooper and James Kouzaris to change the lives of young people at risk of being involved with violent crime.

James Cooper's parents Sandy and Stan Cooper said in a statement: “We would like to thank Rob, Steve and Paul for their effort and sheer determination.

“James would have been very proud of them.”

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