A bike ride from London to Brighton would test even the most seasoned competitor, but for Iain Fisher completing the gruelling 56-mile feat required overcoming a more personal challenge.

Iain, 28, of Sheringham Drive Barking, was born with an immune deficiency that affected almost every system in his body and meant he was very prone to infections.

His childhood and early adult years involved many visits to Great Ormond Street and later Barts hospital but his immune system has now stabilised and it has been five years since he underwent any major treatment.

On September 16, he put his best foot forward and set off on the cycling challenge, completing the race in an impressive four hours 20 minutes.

His father Martyn said: “Iain was unable to pursue the Duke of Edinburgh Award beyond bronze because of his poor health.

“He was determined to rise to the challenge of the London to Brighton cycle ride, and following weeks of training he achieved his goal.

“He is a determined character with a great sense of humour and is musically very talented, playing percussion in the Essex Wind Orchestra, CAPRICE. He enjoys life to the full.”

Iain, who works as a hire manager for Moss Bros and is also a warrant officer in the local Boys’ Brigade Company, hopes to raise more than �700 for blindness charity the Guide Dogs Association, which provides trained pets to those who require them.

It receives no government grant and relies totally on donations from the public and private sector.

The charity also has a special resonance for the 28-year-old because his mother is registered blind and requires a guide dog. After the race Iain happily posed with his mother’s dog Dana.