A YOUNG cyclist was undaunted by Storm Alex as he neared the end of a 600-mile charity journey with ET.

Josh Garman stopped off in Liskeard and Bodmin as he headed for his destination at Land’s End.

He’s now raised more then £5,800 for Hope for Hasti – an appeal to fund research into rare genetic diseases affecting children.

Josh, 21, from Surrey, learned of the appeal from a friend during a conversation in a pub. Inspired by the story of soldier Chris Brannigan and his 700 mile barefoot walk across Britain for his daughter Hasti, Josh decided to jump onto his mountain bike, despite having not cycled for around three years, and ride from his home to Cornwall, stopping off to meet and chat with people along the way.

Having started out by sleeping in a one-man tent each night, Josh said that he received so many kind offers of a place to stay, that by the time he arrived in Devon, he had enough confidence to give the tent away and travel a little lighter.

The wind and lashing rain had made the whole thing “more of a challenge” he said and had not stopped him feeling positive.

And he addded that travelling with E.T. had helped break the ice.

“The interations with people have been the best bit – it’s been amazing,” he said.

“Covid has kind of taken over and there’s a lot of fear and anxiety in people’s minds. I thought bringing E.T. would make people smile.

“There’s also that British reserve, but having E.T has helped break that initial shyness or reserve down and people have told me some wonderful stories.”

Josh was able to meet up with Chris Branningan in Bodmin and go on a barefoot run together. Chris has now raised more than £350,000 for Hope for Hasti.