A FATHER and son team from the Blackdown Hills have cycled from John O’ Groats to Land’s End and raised £5,000 for a charity ensuring children can access cleft services.

Charles Speyer, who is head of science and psychology in Queen’s College, Taunton, and his 13-year-old son Mo, a pupil at the college, completed the charity ride in two weeks.

The pair, from Blagdon Hill, rode more than 1,150 miles, climbed a total of 52,280 feet – nearly twice the height of Everest - and spent 115 hours in the saddle, fixed one puncture, and even survived a broken wheel.

They were supporting Smile Train, which empowers medical professionals around the world with training, funding, and resources to provide free surgery and other forms of comprehensive cleft care to children in their communities.

Mo said: “It was a tough grind to the finish, but the most fantastic experience.

“Thank you to everybody for your support.

“This cause means a lot to me because my little sister was born with a cleft lip and palate, and I have seen just how tough it can be.

“She has been incredibly brave through all her surgeries and treatment, and we have been lucky to have amazing care through the NHS.

“But not every child gets that kind of help.

“In some places, families do not have access to safe surgery or support at all, and that is not fair.

“I want to raise money to help Smile Train give those kids the same chance my sister had, to smile, eat, speak, and grow up feeling confident.”

Queen’s College spokeswoman Molly Stone told the pair: “We could not be prouder of you both.

“What an extraordinary achievement.”

Ms Stone said there was still time to make donations through the pair’s JustGiving page to help them finish ‘on the highest of highs’.