A MAMMOTH charity bike ride has finally reached the finish line after 8,000 km.

Louis Blaxill, George Jones and Calum Craig, all 23, set off from Colchester and travelled through France, Belgium and the Nethlands to raise money for Mind.

But three became one when Calum was forced to retire and George was hit by a car with both cyclists needing to rest.

Louis carried on alone and finally completed the journey when he arrived in Seville.

He said: "It’s been really tough, and we’ve suffered injuries and accidents including George being knocked off his bike in an accident with a car in Verona which was really frightening, and Calum injured his knee which left me cycling alone.

"Fortunately, my father, Simon Blaxill joined me to keep my morale high and we complete the ride in Seville this weekend after four months.

"To keep the family support going, I challenged my mother, Jill, to join us and jump out of a plane.

"Luckily, she agreed and we hope her colleagues at Kent Blaxill plus friends and family will sponsor her in order to take the final total as high as possible."

In total the group have raised £7,500 for Mind and were supported by Colchester company Kent Blaxill.

The team at Broke Bike Mountain began their trek in July after the trio finished their studies and wanted to do something for charity.

The three cyclists decided to help Mind after they saw people suffering with mental health problems at university.

Originally they planned to raise £1 per mile they raced, a total of £6,214. However, thanks to bumper support they have past the £7,500 mark.

They finished the race on Saturday.

Louise added: "Even if our journey doesn’t inspire everyone to donate we hope at the very least it will get people talking about mental health and go some way to breaking the taboo surround the issue.

"Mind play an essential role in ensuring that people suffering with mental health problems receive the advice and support that they need."

To help Louis reach his goal, sponsor at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/brokebike-mountain