TWO friends cycled 900 miles in just 12 days to raise money for a hospital which helped to save one of their lives.

Adam Riddle and Geoff Blair started in Switzerland and pedalled through Austria, Germany, France, the Netherlands and back to the UK.

They raised more than £6,500 for The Christie hospital in Manchester.

Mr Riddle, 46, from Leyburn, found he had kidney cancer in 2006 and his right kidney had to be removed.

But in 2012 he learnt that the cancer had returned in his face and was warned there was no cure, but he later discovered a ground-breaking treatment was available at The Christie.

The Yorkshire Water process engineer underwent the treatment and was told in April that he was in remission.

Mr Riddle said both had enjoyed a wonderful trip.

"We had the best time riding through beautiful countries, meeting great people and making new friends. We are so pleased we did it - we wound up smiling every night.

"We also wish to thank everyone who donated and who followed our journey throughout - it certainly inspired us to keep going and start to think what we can do next."

Pictures from the trip can be viewed at www.facebook.com/bigridehome

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/bigridehome/