Van hire company saves the day for charity cyclist

A van hire company saved the day after a successful charity bike ride threatened to turn sour for four brave cyclists.

The team from Sunderland were absolutely shattered after completing their six-day cycle from Land's End to John O' Groats and were desperate to get home, especially sports coach Fraser Kennedy, whose 14-month-old son had been taken ill in hospital.

However, things took a turn for the worse when local train companies in Scotland refused to let the cyclists carry their bikes on their carriages without the appropriate reservations.

Thankfully, Mr Kennedy was able to avoid being stranded by tracking down a van hire company in Inverness, enabling him to visit his baby boy.

The story highlights how useful contract van hire can be in situations where individuals need to transport large items at relatively short notice.

Speaking to local newspaper The Sunderland Echo, Mr Kennedy said: "My little boy was in the hospital getting checked up, but they said they only take two bikes at a time. It was pretty shameless.

"It was a hellish experience but looking back now it was good that I finished and I have raised £2,500 for charity."

According to the 38-year-old's fundraising page on justgiving.com, the money will be split between Newcastle Healthcare and The Charlie Crowe Appeal.