‘Cycle challenge is unbelievably rewarding’

TV chef Rosemary Shrager says her 500-mile (804km) cycle has been “unbelievably rewarding” as she finishes her charity feat.

Rosemary, who lives in Wadhurst, East Sussex, said cycling from Land’s End in Cornwall to the White Cliffs of Dover had been “one of the most challenging things I have ever done” as she reached the finish line on Wednesday afternoon.

She added that, despite having to go through extreme pain during the ride, meeting volunteers had been worth “every single pedal”.

The 74-year-old celebrity chef, who also appeared on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, has raised more than £100,000 for food poverty charities as part of her Two Wheels for Meals ride.

Setting off from Ashford in Kent on Wednesday, Rosemary was joined by former Team GB Olympian sprinter Iwan Thomas, who said he was “massively proud” of her cycle.

He added: “I could see how hard it was for her because it was hard for me and I only did half a day.

“I think this just shows you how strong the mind really is and what the body can do – I’m massively proud of Rosemary.”

Setting off from Cornwall on 1 June, Rosemary’s cycle has taken her across the south coast, finishing near the White Cliffs of Dover on Wednesday.

Having initially set out to ride 450 miles (724km), Rosemary added that detours and winding roads meant that she had, in fact, cycled closer to 500 miles (804km).

The money raised from the ride will go to support food charities across the south of England and the route of the cycle, which is backed by the Hendy Foundation.