RETIRED firefighter Stuart Rye has raised over £4,000 with a gruelling 1,400mile bike ride for a charity which helped him rebuild his life.

Stuart, 52, from Reeth, who retired from Darlington and County Durham Fire Service this summer was determined to raise money for the Firefighters Charity.

In 1993 while working in London he was severely injured with burns to his face head, neck and hands at a dreadful fire when a roof collapsed injuring fellow firefighters and killing one.

His physical scars took eight months to heal but he said the mental scars still affect him and the Fireighters Charity has been a huge help, particularly their centre at Penrith.

He said: "Because of the Covid-19 pandemic the charities fundraising has been really badly hit. So I decided to do this ride visiting the compass points of Britain to raise money for them.

"It was a gruelling ride, I had 11 wet days out of 14 but it was worth it and I really want to thank everyone who has supported me through www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stu-rye1"