PUPILS at a primary school in Whitehaven came out to cheer on a veteran cyclist. 

Gerard McCarten, of Hillcrest, was cheered on by pupils at Jericho Primary School as he attempted to cycle the combined height of the world's tallest mountain, Mauna Kea. 

This was done in memory of his late wife Margaret, as he pursued the target height of 10,205 metres throughout October.

He cycled more than 1,700 laps of his local street and had now reached the final stage of completing the mammoth task.

In support were Mike Cowley, the 1964 Tokyo Olympian and five-time World Championship rider alongside Ged Brear, local multi-champion.

Both riders had been there throughout the four weeks and now faced the final assault alongside Gerard.

Gerard takes on the cycling challengeGerard takes on the cycling challenge (Image: Supplied)

Between marshaled ranks of cheering children, the trio rode the final metres of Mauna Kea and, as the summit loomed, the echoing sound of 'The Grand Old Duke of York' rang out from the crowded playground.

Mr McCarten said: "We used the hill up to the school to finish the challenge and the children were already getting lined up and it was absolutely amazing.

"The noise and the cheering and the shouting and the flag waving. It was great, just a very nice way to bring it all together. 

"It was quite a relief to cross the line in the end, as it’s a question of mind over matter at times out there.

READ MORE: Whitehaven man supported in cycling challenge by Olympian

"But I knew what I needed to do and I enjoyed doing it. For me, whether it's a little circuit or whether I go out for a ride for an hour or a couple of hours, I just enjoy riding my bike.

Gerard takes on the cycling challengeGerard takes on the cycling challenge (Image: Supplied)

Gerard did this challenge to raise money for the sight loss charity The Macular Society. 

Through donations to Gerard’s fundraiser, he wants to see more research into a rare genetic eye condition called Sorsby fundus dystrophy (SFD), which his wife Margaret had lived with for 40 years.

He said: “My wife Margaret had her genetic eye disorder so my motivation for doing this particular challenge was to bring more awareness about the condition and the need for research around it."