A charity cyclist has completed an epic 5,000-mile cycle ride across Europe and Russia to Siberia.

Stuart Green of St Mary's Close, Panfield, reached the Ilizarov Centre in Kurgan, Siberia, to a hero's welcome, but due to a chest and leg infection he has been forced to abandon his planned ride home and is instead flying back to Heathrow today

His partner, Su Russell, said: "I spoke to Stuart briefly yesterday he was extremely exhausted but very proud about what he has managed to achieve in getting all the way to Kurgan.

"He got to the Ilizarov Institute where he recieved a hero's welcome and was given a medal, which made him feel brilliant."

Mr Green started the ride from Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, on January 20.

He wanted to reach the Ilizarov Centre because it designs specialist leg frames, one of which was used to save his leg after he had a near fatal road accident in 1999.

He was raising money for the centre and Broomfield Hospital which was involved in treating him after the accident.

Mr Green is still looking for donations, and forms are available from The Veterinary Practice in Millennium Way, Braintree, The Natural Way, Braintree's health food shop, The Bell pub in Panfield, and the Braintree and Witham Times

Published Wednesday, May 21, 2003

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