A Llandre cyclist who is taking on a mammoth charity bike ride the length of Great Britain became a Good Samaritan after stopping to help a man in distress on the Severn Bridge during his journey.

Damian Burgess is currently trying to complete 2,000km in under 12 days unsupported, raising money for British Heart Foundation and Mind Mental Health along the way.

On the third day of his challenge last month, Damian - originally from Caerphilly but now living in Llandre - reached the Severn Bridge.

On the bridge he noticed a man “in distress” and thought he had to help.

Damian said: “While I was crossing the bridge I bumped in to a man who looked to be in distress. He had his shirt and shoes off and was talking to himself.

“After cycling past him a few yards I then stopped and turned back.

“I got off my bike and approached him and sat next to him, he didn’t want me there but I couldn’t leave him. He was upset but didn’t look drunk or under any other influence. He just looked like a normal bloke who was clearly in a bad place.

“I didn’t really know what to do so just called the police and spoke to them for around 15 minutes while trying to calm the gentleman down until they arrived.

“When he was safe in the officers’ car I just broke down in tears myself. I have no idea why but I think maybe it was relief?

“In fairness to the officers they were great and spoke to me for some time to make sure I was ok, and even offered me a lift to Usk - though I think that would have been cheating.

“I was cycling while I was crying which isn’t recommended but I somehow made it to Usk.

“It was probably my most worthwhile bike ride I have ever done.”

“When thinking back to it, it seems like it was meant to be.

“The whole experience compounded one of the reasons why I am doing this challenge and why it’s okay not to be okay.

“Please remember to speak to someone if you need help; there is always another way.”

Damian, who runs Red Squirrel Marketing, is currently undertaking the GB Divide/GB Duro, which follows a route that runs the length of Britain.

He took on the mammoth challenge despite only starting to cycle in June last year during lockdown.

“After a few months of cycling I was hooked, challenging myself to go further or faster each ride,” he said.

“So I wanted to really test myself on a bike and challenge myself to something that would push me and focus my training.

“The GB Divide route which is used in the GB Duro spans 2,000km with just under 30,000 metres of climbing, it’s not a race, just a challenge to finish the route.”

Aiming to complete the challenge in 10 days, Damian is currently averaging around 200km a day across all terrains.

Damian has set a £30,000 fund-raising target and has so far raised more than £2,000.

Donations are still open at www.virginmoneygiving.com/dbgbdivide