Ange and Richard Bebbington, a married couple from Ashby, have successfully completed their remarkable 1500-mile Rome2Home Cycle Challenge in support of the charity Wishes 4 Kids.

Their journey began in Rome on August 22, and concluded at Zamani's Restaurant in Ashby, where friends, family, and supporters gathered to celebrate their incredible achievement.

The couple say their epic ride was an emotional rollercoaster, marked by 'moments of despair and triumph'.

They cycled through 36-degree heat along the Italian coast, past iconic landmarks such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa and over challenging mountain passes commonly used by professional cyclists.

Their route took them from Rome to Genoa. From Genoa the couple headed inland, climbing over the Passo della Bocchetta (772m) and Passo del Bracco (615m), before crossing into France via the Petite Saint Bernard Pass (2188m), a height significantly greater than Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak at 1345m.

After a well-earned rest day in Annecy, France, the couple faced new challenges on the open roads, battling strong winds as they made their way through the French countryside.

Despite the gruelling conditions, they made a special detour to the British Normandy Memorial, paying tribute to those who made their journey possible.

Returning to the UK, the final leg of their journey took them from Portsmouth to Ashby, via Reading, Banbury, and Market Bosworth.

They cycled through picturesque British landscapes, including the South Downs National Park and along National Cycle routes, braving rain, sleet, and the unpredictable British weather.

But they were greeted by autumn sunshine on their final approach to Ashby.

The couple's arrival in Ashby was met with overwhelming support. As they carefully navigated through the Statutes crowd on Market Street, they were greeted with waving Union flags and warm applause outside Zamani's.

A member of the Statutes even presented them with a collection of donations raised by the fairground community.

Entering Zamani's in Rushton's Yard, Ange and Richard were met by a cheering crowd of family, friends, and well-wishers.

Among the first to congratulate them was Ashby's Mayor, Cllr Elizabeth Parle.

Reflecting on the celebration, Ange said: "It was like a dream. The atmosphere was electric, and Zamani's hospitality was unreal, endless pizzas, a feast fit for royalty. A perfect end to our Rome2Home Cycle Challenge."

The couple's efforts have raised nearly £7,000 for Wishes 4 Kids, including a generous £1,000 donation from the Ivanhoe Runners, a local running group of which Ange and Richard are members.

Richard said: "It feels impossible. Ordinary people like us don't do things like this, do they?

"If there's one takeaway, it's that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

"Whether your goal is big or small, give it a go. You never know what you might achieve. And even if you don't succeed, what matters most is that you tried."