Intrepid charity cyclist Dennis Warner is back home after his gruelling 4,000-mile cycle ride.

Back home with his family - Dennis Warner

Dennis went from Little Oakley to Timbuktu, in Africa, in three months to raise cash for cancer research. He was beset by fierce weather conditions, a broken spoke and was even robbed, but he made it.

And he finally touched down at Heathrow but only after a few more last-minute problems. He caught a 4x4 vehicle from Timbuktu, which broke down three times in the desert, and then got a bus, which also broke down, on the way to Bamaku, the capital of Mali.

Once at the airport he managed to catch a plane which had already been delayed a day and was further delayed by the shoe-bomber incident.

After a further five-hour delay it took off for Paris. When he made it home his wife Diane, neighbours and family, had all gathered for a welcoming party, with champagne, banners and decorations.

Dennis said he never doubted that he would make it to his destination. He made it to Timbuktu, having to make the final stretch on boat, and is hoping to help his wife reach her target of £10,000 for cancer research.

Published Friday December 28, 2001