HATS off to Leigh Thistlethwaite who is in the middle of a mammoth cycle ride from John O’Groats to Lands End.

The dad-of-three is undertaking the 1,000-mile bike ride in memory of his mother Denise who died a year ago from bowel cancer.

Leigh started the trip, which he described as ‘the greatest challenge of his life’, alongside his brother-in-law Mark Smith, 25.

But after Mark suffered a hamstring injury at 450 miles Leigh has continued the ride on his own.

Electrician Leigh said keeping motivated and getting out of bed every morning to start cycling by himself has been really tough.

But it is the thought of his mum, who was only 42 when she died, that has been keeping him going – and the money he is raising for East Lancashire Hospice where she spent the last weeks of her life.

The 27-year-old is just one of hundreds of people from East Lancashire who each year goes that extra mile for a special cause.

People like Leigh should be saluted for their efforts and their willingness to do something to improve the lives of others.

We wish him every success in reaching his destination safely – and without too many blisters!