A BUSINESSMAN has cycled more than 3,000 miles from one coastline of the USA to the other in a charity challenge to mark his 50th birthday.

Tony Wakefield, owner of Sankey Bridges-based Trade Frame North West, cycled a total of 3,507 across the states alongside his friend Harry Crampton as he turned 50.

Finishing in Boston on Saturday, June 24, the pair managed to raise more than £4,000 for Child Bereavement UK, which supports bereaved children and families in which a child has died.

The pair completed the cycle in 50 days.

Tony said: “Having only bought my first bike 11 months ago, this has been some challenge.

“We’ve cycled 3,507 miles through 15 states in just 50 days.

“Child Bereavement UK supports families where they are grieving for someone who has died – the local Runcorn office supports families across the whole of the north west and we hope our efforts will go some way to helping them rebuild their lives.”

Seb Farrell, Child Bereavement UK fundraising officer, added: “We’re so grateful to Tony and Harry and the team for all their support over the last seven weeks.

“What they have achieved is incredible and the money they have raised will be used to support local children affected by bereavement.

“This donation could enable four families to receive a package of face to face support for a minimum of 12 months.”

To donate go to justgiving.com/fundraising/tonycycles.