A CHESHIRE man who cycled all the way to southern Spain for a cause close to his heart as spoken of his pride at completing the gruelling journey.

Father-of-two Jonathan Mawby, who owns the Autopoint garage in Knutsford, took on the epic challenge in memory of his mother Lee, who died after being diagnosed with the incurable blood cancer, myeloma, in 2018.

The 44-year-old left Altrincham on Friday, May 13, on a mammoth 1,600-mile bike ride to Aguilas, a town where his family have holidayed for years.

Knutsford Guardian: Jonathan Mawby lifts his bike in celebration at reaching AguilasJonathan Mawby lifts his bike in celebration at reaching Aguilas

Originally due to cycle on his own, with his dad and sister following in a support vehicle, Jonathan was joined by his best friend Gareth Tucker, who kept him company on the roads.

“It was just a case of taking it a day at a time,” Jonathan said.

“It was slightly surreal really, because we’ve been going to Aguilas for about 15 years.

“So arriving there knowing you’d just ridden a bicycle from your front door in England was just very surreal.

“The way we approached it was just thinking of each day just being another bike ride.

“It helped having Gareth with me, as it provided me with a bit of entertainment and banter on the roads.”

Knutsford Guardian: Jonathan Mawby and his friend Gareth TuckerJonathan Mawby and his friend Gareth Tucker

Despite the arduous nature of the journey, in particular the potential for crossing the Pyrenees from France, the trip remained incident-free.

“I’d prepared very well, and my level of fitness was good, and as we went on, it just got better,” he added.

“It didn’t get any easier as such, but you just remain at a level and your body becomes used to it.

“So much so, I tried to go for a run the other day and I couldn’t do it as my legs are so used to going around in circles!”

Knutsford Guardian: jonathan Mawby reaches the finish line after 20 daysjonathan Mawby reaches the finish line after 20 days

The route took in some stunning views, including the Saint-Émilion wine regions, a couple of days in the Pyrenees, before heading down the Spanish coast, and Jonathan was keen to thank all his family for their help.

“My dad did an incredible job at the age of 81 driving a motorhome pretty much the whole way,” he said.

"It was a real family affair, they all helped so much.

“We’ve raised more than £14,000 so far too, which is a phenomenal effort by everyone who has donated.

“Particularly in the current climate.”

You can still donate to Jonathan’s Myeloma UK fundraising JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/altrinchamtoaguilas