AN intrepid cyclist reached new heights to raise funds for a hospice.

Stuart Rider climbed gruelling Cock Hill at Oxenhope non-stop, clocking-up the equivalent 8,848-metre height of Everest.

And he was joined by two colleagues, Andy Peacock and Nick Hindle, who each ascended 4,400 metres.

The fearless threesome together raised more than £1,020 – twice the original target – for Manorlands.

Stuart, who runs the Rider Cycle Centre in Skipton, came-up with the idea for the mammoth effort after hearing about the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice's funding needs on the day of its Bronte Mountain Bike Challenge in September.

Together the trio took 18 hours to complete the energy-draining Everesting Challenge, starting and finishing in the dark at the Bay Horse Inn.

Their achievement was verified by the Hells500 Everesting group, which analysed data downloaded from a satellite navigation system.

"A 6am start in the dark and fog followed by 18-plus hours in the saddle went surprisingly fast!" said Stuart.

"Having Andy and Nick for company – and riding with other cyclists who came along to support and cover a few hill reps – was encouraging and helped click off the climbs.

"The evening cold took its toll and falling asleep whilst climbing was a bit worrying, but the great support helped me right to the end.

"Donations kept coming in whilst we cycled and we were all so happy when we reached the £1,000 mark.

"A big thank-you goes to everyone."

Sue Ryder senior fundraiser, Andrew Wood, pays tribute to the trio.

He said: "We get lots of fit people doing difficult challenges to support us throughout the year but what Andy, Nick and especially Stuart have done is right up there with the toughest we have come across.

"We are very grateful to them, the people who gave sponsorship and the team at the Bay Horse for being so helpful at base camp."

All three riders have pledged to get involved with the new Manorlands Cycling Events Group, which aims to help ensure the long-term future of events such as the Bronte Mountain Bike Challenge and generate new ideas.

Manorlands supports patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families at the hospice and in the community, across an area covering Craven, Airedale and Wharfedale as well as parts of Bradford.

All services are free to patients and their loved ones, but it costs £9,000 a day to keep the hospice doors open.

Only a small part of the cost is covered by statutory funds.

Most of the funds have to be raised through voluntary donations.

Anyone interested in joining the cycling group should contact Mr Wood at the Manorlands fundraising office on 01535 640176.