A FUNDRAISER from York burned more than 17,000 calories in a 310-mile cycling event.

Phil Wiggins, from Acomb, last year ran, cycled and swam 6,000 miles to celebrate the year he turned 40, decided to complete another challenge this year - travelling 1,000 miles to raise money for Martin House Hospice.

On Saturday, he was among 400 cyclists who rode from Newcastle to London in a 24-hour endurance event, and managed to finish in an incredible 37th place, consuming 19 litres of water throughout the ride.

Phil said: "It’s still less than two years since I started to bike and although this year I’ve done some tough events, this was without doubt going to be the hardest yet. Both physically and mentally it’s incredibly demanding."

The group set off from Newcastle at 11am on Saturday, and Phil was in the leading team as they entered York at about 4pm.

He said: "I felt really fresh at this point and made sure I was right at the front as we passed through the city waving at supporters. My wife Helena had waved me off at the start and was here in York jumping up and down with friends as we passed around the city walls and out towards Selby. Thankfully we missed all the rain."

By the 180 mile mark, Phil and the leading 40 were 30 minutes ahead of the other riders, and were held back at a rest stop as they were told "you’re going so fast the next feed stations won’t be open when you get there".

He said: "Cycling through the night was tough and seemed to last forever. There was nothing to look at apart from the road and concentrate on the wheels around you. We were on empty roads with not a light to be seen for miles, the winds were picking up and everyone was dreading a puncture."

After 230 miles, near Peterborough, Phil's gear cable snapped after hitting a pot hole, leaving him with just two top gears, but he remained with the lead group for about 35 miles until they stopped at Cambridge where a mechanic fixed the problem.

Phil dropped out of the lead group as the sun rose after 275 miles, but finished in London at 8.05am on Sunday in 37th position, after cycling for 21 hours and five minutes.

He said: "To say I was completely exhausted was an understatement. We were given a glass of champagne on crossing the line and a nice hot meal. Of the 400 who started only 135 completed it in under 24 hours and only 250 completed the event within the 27hour time limit. Over previous years the fastest time for this event was 21 hours and 30 minutes, so I was incredibly happy."

The challenge took Phil over his 1,000 mile target, and means he has now raised about £3,000 for Martin House, but he said he hopes to raise more in coming months.

To donate, go to justgiving.com/thewiggo2015fundraiser