A MAN who set off to break a Guinness World Record covering a 6,500 mile cycle trail in less than 40 days, will continue with the challenge, despite facing major challenges along the way.

James Windross, 31, of Redcar took on the feat in memory of his father who died from oesophageal cancer in 2011 and to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

He started his World Record attempt in Argentina, where he would finally hope to cross five countries to reach Colombia by mid-March.

However, since leaving the UK at the turn of the year, Mr Windross has been met with trials and tribulations.

After four weeks of steady cycling, on his 28th day whilst crossing Peru, Mr Windross almost called an end to his enduring challenge when his bicycle struck a pothole.

The Northern Echo:

The pothole which caused the collision

The hole caused significant injury to his shoulder, and rendered his bike unrepairable.

Mr Windross said: “I really thought that this was over.

“I’m trying to raise £21,000 for Cancer Research UK and break the Guinness World Record for taking less than 40 days to travel the route.

“I was in pain and when I saw the damage to my bike, I thought I was done.”

A second opinion sought from a South American doctor concluded the adventurous man could carry on, despite initial concerns he had fractured his collar bone.

Two friends from the UK jumped to the rescue and managed to keep him going.

Chris Cooper, owner of a bike shop in Northampton, flew to Peru with a replacement bike and another friend, Grant Wildman, supplied him with a new set of industry-leading tyres.

Mr Windross said: “My friends Chris and Grant have come to the rescue.

“It was going to take too long for Chris to send his bike out to me, so he flew out to deliver it himself.

“He knows how much this means to me and how I want to do this in honour of dad – their overwhelming support means I can carry on.”

Mr Windross, currently on track to reach Columbia, has taken on cycling challenges before. He has toured New Zealand, Australia and travelled from Singapore to Uzbekistan.

The Northern Echo:

Mr Windross will pass through several countries

He added: “I can’t feel sorry for myself – my dad’s memory keeps me going. Thinking of what he went through, plus friends and colleagues who’ve been through cancer treatment keeps me focused.

"I’m so close to the end, but still have some challenges –it’s not over until it’s over. Impossible is nothing. I’m still going to give this a go."

Jaelith Leigh-Brown of Cancer Research UK said: “James is amazing. His will and determination to carry on is inspirational. Without people like James helping to fund our research, we wouldn’t have made such enormous progress in the fight against cancer.”