An eighty-four-year-old man has now completed his cycling fundraising challenge. 

Gerard McCarten, of Whitehaven, took it upon himself to cycle around his cul-de-sac on Balmoral Road at Hensingham over and over. 

He has raised money for a number of causes close to his heart including the North West Ambulance Service, Hospice at Home, the 121 Carers, the NHS District Nurses, and The Firefighters Charity. 

On Friday, April 28, representatives from each were welcomed to his home to be provided with cheques of £258. 

Mr McCarten said: "I'm absolutely over the moon, the support has been fantastic, first of all, my neighbors putting up with me going up and down this road. 

News and Star: Gerard standing alongside the groups he has successfully raised funds forGerard standing alongside the groups he has successfully raised funds for (Image: Newsquest)

"We've had such wonderful support from friends and relatives across the country as far as New Zealand people have been donating.

"So I'm over the moon and I'd like to express my wife, Margaret, and I's thanks for all the support and donations... it's made five groups of people happy. 

"I rode for 100 minutes with a heart rate of 100 beats per minute and the aim was to generate 10,000 heartbeats and send them out on the ethernet as hugs and kisses to all the doctors, nurses, ambulance workers, and fire service. 

News and Star: Gerard presented a cheque to Hospice at HomeGerard presented a cheque to Hospice at Home (Image: Newsquest)

"Because in one way or another in the last 20 years, they've been involved with me and Margaret in ensuring we stay safe and well."

Since Monday, March 20 using the power of a radio-transmitted heartbeat, Gerard aimed to cycle for 100 minutes and maintain a heart rate of 100 beats per minute for his effort. 

News and Star: Money is presented to the NHS Money is presented to the NHS (Image: Newsquest)

Sean Knapp of Cumbria Fire and Rescue said: "The fire service is very grateful for the contribution to the fund, it is an amazing effort and well done."

Mark Craggs, of the North West Ambulance Service, said: "We're pleased to get this donation, it's very generous and it's an amazing achievement with the cycle ride that he did."

News and Star: 121 Carers receive their cheque 121 Carers receive their cheque (Image: Newsquest)