EXTREME sickness forced endurance athlete Sam Boatwright to abandon his attempt to become the fastest person to cycle non-stop from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

Sam, 32, from Steeton, was bidding to beat 44 hours, four minutes and 19 seconds, but persistent vomiting forced him to stop after 18 hours.

But Sam, who is well known as the Epic Runner after running 50 miles for 50 consecutive days around the UK coastline raising thousands of pounds for Help For Heroes, has vowed to return next year and have another go, this time travelling from Land’s End to John O’Groats, to take advantage of prevailing winds.

Sam said: “I started being sick after about 12 hours.

"I tried to carry on but it was impossible and, after a few hours of utter hell, I finally threw in the towel after 18-and-a-half hours and 250 miles. I’m gutted.

“It was unbelievably difficult. I faced a ferocious headwind – I knew I was going against the wind and that was my choice – but the sickness was what did for me. I’d never experienced anything like that despite rigorous training. I’d practised very long rides and managing nutrition and thought I had it all under control, but when it mattered, my body protested too much.”

Thousands followed Sam’s ride on social media and he paid tribute to all the support he received.

He added: “I would like to thank everyone for all their good wishes – it meant a lot and definitely kept me going for longer. Thank you, too, for all the donations to Help For Heroes and to my sponsors justteachers, Mewies Solicitors, Watson Buckle, San Angelo’s, Skipton Rider Centre, Maxski.net and CTSki.”

And social media comments revealed a wealth of support for Sam.

Mum, Gill Boatwright, was the first to comment. She said: “Sam is an amazing person for even attempting this, and I may be his mum and a little bit biased, but I am very proud of him.”

Sam’s preparation included losing two-and-a-half stone in weight and cycling at altitude in the Dolomites.

The current record was set in 2001 by Gethin Butler going from Land’s End to John O’Groats.