After 30 gruelling days, Somerset farmer Nick Bragg has completed his challenge of cycling 3,000 miles across Canada. His impressive feat has raised more than £20,000, with more donations coming in.

Starting in Montréal, Nick rode across six provinces, through the Saskatchewan plains and the Rockies, to finish at the Inukshuk monument on the Vancouver waterfront.

Nick said: “The challenge has had an amazing impact on my life. I’ve become fitter and more committed to fitness. I’ve been given a chance to have a different outlook on life by getting away from the farming business. I have been immensely grateful and lucky for the support from Claire, my wife, and thank you so much to all our fantastic staff.”

Siblings Ashley and Adele Martin, Nick’s trainers, provided company on the month-long journey. Ashley cycled from Montréal to Calgary, where Adele took over to motivate Nick through the Rockies. Claire Bragg drove the RV and looked after the three cyclists by cooking meals and setting up camp at each day’s finish point.

Nick added: “Ashley offered days of helpful and understanding company, and we didn’t get lost too many times! To be joined for the last section of my challenge by Adele was so wonderful with her knowledge, support, company and many laughs along the way too.

“The best day was our first day into the Rockies. It flew by with Adele’s motivation and Crow’s Nest Pass was just beautiful.”

A memorable moment on the trip was when Nick had a close encounter with a bear sunning itself just 15ft away. As Nick fumbled for his camera, whilst mentally preparing himself to flee, he forgot to unclip his foot and fell off his bike. Fortunately, the bear wasn’t looking for lunch.

Nick and Claire own and run Frogmary Green Farm in South Petherton and have supported R.A.B.I for many years. They host regular fundraising events at the farm, such as the ever-popular Great British Beef Week supper.

“The mental and physical pain was overwhelming, but mine was short lived.” Nick admitted. “This is what the challenge was all about, helping and supporting those with real pain. You never can tell what’s around the corner, so to raise money for a farming charity that supports others less fortunate than myself gives me great pleasure.

“My advice for other farmers out there is to challenge yourself. Go outside of your comfort zone and surprise yourself.

“And my advice to anyone looking to do their own challenge is to train, train, train.  You can’t be prepared enough! Take a moment, stop and appreciate what you’re doing and who you’re doing it for.”

To make a donation, visit Nick’s Virgin Money Giving page.