FOUR cyclists have completed a 1,000-mile charity ride in memory of a popular rowing coach.

Michael Hall, Thomas Jackson, Elliot Kay and David Beeby, all members of Durham Amateur Rowing Club, cycled the length of the country from Land’s End to John O’Groats in tribute to Bill Grant.

Mr Grant, 67, of Cleadon, near South Shields, was cycling along the banks of the River Wear in Durham City, coaching a crew on the water, when he suffered a suspected heart attack and fell into the river on Saturday, February 28.

The retired jeweller died, leaving a wife and three children.

The four cyclists rode for 12 days, covering up to 115 miles a day.

They raised £3,000, to be split between the rowing club and the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

Mandy Drake, from the air ambulance, said: “What a fantastic achievement by four young men.

“We want to say a huge thank you to the team, who have shown true grit and determination to finish this gutsy feat. The funds will go towards saving lives in the region.”