VILLAGER Paul Hodson took to the breathtaking Scottish Highlands — for a gruelling 170 mile bike ride to raise money for a charity that supported him and his family when he fell ill.

Mr Hodson, from Blackrod, set himself the three-day cycle challenge after recovering from a colostomy operation, which he had after being rushed into hospital in October 2013 with severe stomach pain.

The family turned to the Colostomy Association for advice.

He said: "The charity is absolutely fantastic — my wife rang at 10pm and there was someone to talk to.

"When I was in hospital and not knowing what was going on or what was going to happen, we were able to talk to someone."

After recovering, Mr Hodson said he wanted to get fitter — describing himself as fitter now than when he was 30 — and set himself the gruelling sponsored bike ride to raise money for the charity as well for Blue Cross, a national charity for which he works and which rehouses cats, dogs, small pets and horses, as well as educating people on how to look after their pets.

As part of his role he visits volunteers, which led to him planning the sponsored cycle to visit a volunteer in the Scottish Highlands.

He said: "I have never been a cyclist and I decided after the operation to get myself fitter. I thought cycling would be better at my time of life."

Mr Hodson said: "The charity has 170 volunteers, so the cycle ride was planned to be 170 miles.

"My sister's partner does triathlons and helped me with the training, and kept me going."

Mr Hodson travelled from Oban to Dundonnell, stopping by Fort Willliam and Loch Ness on his journey — and managed to complete the cycle ride just in time for his 50th birthday, which was celebrated at Loch Lomond.

Mr Hodson said: "It was lovely scenery, but the weather was quite challenging — it was damp and misty and sometimes you just had to look down.

"The worst moment was a wrong turn which I had taken after asking for directions and I had to push my bike up a mountain.

"There was a time that the wind was so strong I had to peddle down hills as well as up.

"I was pleased to reach the end of the journey and when I reflect back on it, I am really proud I did it.

"I haven't been back on the bike for a week now but feel as though I should start again.

"My wife and my four-year-old daughter Hollie were my crew and I couldn't have done it without them.

"I am very pleased to have achieved my aim and in being able to help two super charities.”

Mr Hodson has already managed to raise more than £500 but wants to reach £1,000.

Text OSTM80 with your amount (e.g. OSTM80£5) to 70070 to help him reach his goal.