A pensioner who defied prostate cancer to cycle 168 miles around France raised over £4,000 for charity.
John Jones, 68, of Spencer Close, Cowley, pushed himself to the limit taking on the Marmotte Cycling Challenge, which included a number of mountain passes regularly seen in the Tour de France.
At one point he needed medical attention because of severe cramp and had to walk five miles to free up the muscles.
He said: "That was the toughest part. It was much harder than I ever imagined. I'm really pleased with the support. The money raised is beyond my expectations."
The money raised will go to the Royal Marsden Hospital for cancer treatment and research.
It was there that he was given the idea for the bike ride while being treated for his cancer.
He added: "One of the nurses suggested it. I said I wanted to do something to raise money and she knew I used to cycle and here we are.
"I have now recovered and am going to be just resting, I have to get better."
Property developers St George, who sponsored John and made his challenge possible, hosted a welcome home reception for him where he was presented with a cheque by the Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor Brian Crowe,
Ian Dobie, manager of St George, which is currently constructing the Park West development in Porters Way, West Drayton, said: "John is one of the most amazing people I have ever met."
His official time was 11 hours, seven minutes and 43 seconds and he was the 4,441st rider to finish, out of almost 8,000 entrants.
John, who has six grandchildren, is a member of West Drayton Mountain Bike Club, having got back into cycling in 2005 following a 40 year break.
