A bike crash and temperatures of 35 degrees did not put off a grandad of two Fishguard girls, who cycled a gruelling 265 miles in the middle of last week’s heatwave to raise funds for Lota Park.

Andy Carver decided to undertake a trip with a difference to visit his grandchildren, Kayla and Millie Baguley, during the school holidays.

Instead of driving the 246 miles from Boroughbridge, Yorkshire, he would cycle and in doing so raise funds to buy much-needed play equipment for Fishguard’s Lota Park.

Andy bought a new bike especially for the challenge but had a minor accident just 45 miles in. He escaped with cuts and bruises but his brand new bike was badly damaged and he continued the challenge on his old hybrid bike.

The 56-year-old set off from Boroughbridge at 5.45am last Monday, July 18, cycling into north Wales and eventually stopping for the night after 10pm.

“The first day was really enjoyable,” he said. “Day two was trickier.”

On Tuesday he slogged on in temperatures of up to 35 degrees. He reached Cardigan before admitting that he could not go any further.

“I’m really happy to have got that far,” said Andy. “It’s a shame I couldn’t the last leg but we covered the miles what with detours and diversions.

“I’m extremely pleased with the amount of money raised and thankful to everybody who donated.”

Andy planned to raise £400 for Lota Park but has smashed that total, raising around £800. Anybody who would like to add to that total can contact Save our Playgrounds founder, Dani O’Connor through the group’s Facebook page.

“We are so so grateful,” said Dani. “A massive thank you to Andy. The money will really help.”

Andy’s daughter Donna Carver added “I’m so chuffed with dad. He couldn’t have done any better.”