A GODFATHER has completed a 13-hour trek to help raise funds to buy his paralysed godson a special hand-propelled bike so he can play outside with his siblings.

Stephen Ryce, of Newton Street, Millom, battled through tiredness and blisters to walk from Whitehaven pier to Millom pier on Monday December 19.

The 37-year-old had no prior experience of walking long distances but was spurred on to complete the 33-mile hike by his six-year-old godson and cousin's son, Bradley Sproat, who joined him at the finish line to celebrate his achievement.

The Ulverston youngster, who suffers from spina bifida and is paralysed from the waist down, desperately wanted a bike so that he could go on rides with his twin brother Matthew and 21-month-old sister Ella.

Mr Ryce said: "It was emotional to have all my family there with me at the end, especially Bradley. I had a lump in my throat and it was hard to keep it all together."

"This bike is going to mean the world to him. It will give him his independence and freedom."

Mr Ryce, who works as a taxi driver for Sals Cars, admitted that there were times en route when he doubted whether he would have the stamina to complete the challenge.

He said: "It was relatively easy until I got to Waberthwaite - that is when the pain set in with the blisters. Going up the hills was easier than going down them because I was having to put more pressure on my feet going down.

"I thought a couple of times that I wasn't going to make it but Bradley kept me going and I knew that seeing the look on his face at the end would make it all worth it."

After the trek, more than 50 friends and family congregated at The Devonshire pub in Millom to raise a glass to Mr Ryce's accomplishment.

He added: "I was over the moon for doing it. I thought I might not complete it and let everybody down so to get across that finish line was amazing.

"Thank you to everyone who gave money towards the cause. I have only done half the job - it's the people who have donated that have made the difference."

Bradley's bike, which cost £2,100, has now been purchased after more than £3,000 was raised through Mr Ryce's exploits and other fundraising initiatives.

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