A Withycombe dad-of-two who cycled 1280km from Exmouth to Italy in four days in memory of his mother-in-law has raised more than £12,000 for a cancer charity. Heating engineer Duncan Biggs, 38, of Park Road, aimed to raise £10,000 for Cancer Research UK, after dreaming up the Geneva Challenge –cycling 200 miles a day before swimming 14.6km across Lake Annecy, in France, and running a 42.2km marathon around the lake.

An Exmouth man who set himself a gruelling challenge in memory of his mother-in-law has raised thousands of pounds for a cancer charity.

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A Withycombe dad-of-two who cycled 1,280km from Exmouth to Italy in four days in memory of his mother-in-law has raised more than £12,000 for a cancer charity.

Heating engineer Duncan Biggs, 38, of Park Road, aimed to raise £10,000 for Cancer Research UK, after dreaming up the Geneva Challenge –cycling 200 miles a day before swimming 14.6km across Lake Annecy, in France, and running a 42.2km marathon around the lake.

Duncan’s six-day challenge in memory of his mother-in-law Barbara Wade, 64, from Exmouth, who died in August 2010 just six days after being diagnosed with cancer, raised £12,226 for Cancer Research UK.

Caffeine intolerant Duncan, a British Indoor Rowing Championship gold medallist, who dreamed up his mega challenge after a cup of coffee gave him a buzz, admitted there had been times when he feared he would fail his challenge.

He said his wife, Sarah, and a quote he had read - ‘a cancer sufferer never gets the chance for time off’ – had kept him focused on his quest and how the funds would help other cancer sufferers and their families.

Duncan said a banner and waiting welcome party on day one had also inspired him to keep going.

He said: “There is no doubt I wouldn’t have achieved any of this without my family and friends.

“Sarah was so inspiring. Even though she was busy at home with our youngest daughter Isabella, who was just four weeks old, she would always sound very happy on the phone and raise my spirits no end.”

Duncan, who for the last nine months spent around 25 hours a week training for the challenge, said he was ‘overwhelmed’ at exceeding his fundraising target by more than £4,000

Sylvia Arlett, area manager for Cancer Research UK, said: “Duncan is a true inspiration and our huge congratulations and thanks go to him for completing such an awe inspiring challenge. He deserves a well-earned rest.

“The money he has raised will help us significantly to fund vital research.”

into cancer which is much needed and will ultimately help others who will be faced with the same experience.

“He should be incredibly proud of what he has achieved.”

There is still time to support Duncan’s efforts. You can donate at www.geneva10000.org.uk by following the justgiving link.

• To arrange a fund-raising event in memory or celebration of a loved one, raising funds for Cancer Research UK, contact Sylvia Arlett on 07775 657159.