HE ENDED up in hospital only five days into his epic four-week cycle challenge after crashing into a road barrier.

But Peter Milner, of Church Fenton, continued undeterred and has now returned home after successfully completing a 4,100 kilometre journey around France.

Peter, 40, who almost died in 2005 when his Honda motorbike collided with a car on the B1222 near York, decided to embark on the adventure to celebrate his recovery.

Peter also wanted to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of his sister, Jane Milner, who died of breast cancer at the age of 43.

So far, he has raised nearly £4,000 for Macmillan and £700 for the charity, ReCycle, which refurbishes unwanted bikes and ships them to Africa to help underprivileged families.

Peter, who was troubled by tendonitis in his right knee during the cycle ride, said: “It was tough, definitely no holiday, and I’m proud of myself that I managed to get to the end in one piece and on schedule.

“It was such a relief to complete it and there were a few tears when I got to Paris.”

His adventure almost came to an abrupt end on day five when he collided with a barrier as he cycled beside the River Seine in Rouen.

“I managed to slice my fingers open and had to go to hospital to get stitches,” he said.

“A passing motorist stopped to help me. He patched me up and wouldn’t leave me until he had taken me to hospital.”

Peter, who works as a chartered electrical engineer for Martin Design Associates at Dunnington, was following the route of the 1970 Tour de France. He cycled at an average speed of 25kph and had to eat more than 6,000 calories every day to make sure he had enough energy.

To donate money to Macmillan Cancer Support, log on to Peter’s online fundraising page justgiving.com/peter-milner. Or to donate money to his other chosen charity, Re-Cycle, log on to justgiving.com/peter-milner-recycle