Fundraising Leicestershire cyclist dies miles from finish line

John Holubjowsky had been training for the challenge since Christmas

A cyclist has died while attempting to complete a charity ride from Land's End to John O' Groats.

John Holubjowsky, 58, from Stoney Stanton, Leicestershire, was just 28 miles (45km) from the finish line when he suffered a fatal heart attack on 18 June.

His wife Keeley said it was a shock as he had no history of heart problems and always liked to keep fit.

He has raised more than £2,800 for the hospice Loros.

Mrs Holubjowsky said her husband was riding the length of Britain as part of an organised group.

She said she had spoken to him every day while he was away.

"He rang me every night, every morning, and I'd spoken to him on the morning it happened.

"We were really excited because it was his last day and he said 'I can't wait to get to the finish line' and I wished him good luck," she said.

Mrs Holubjowsky spoke to her husband on the morning he died

As the day went on, she did not hear any more from him and assumed he was busy celebrating with the rest of his group.

Later on, she was visited by two police officers who told her husband had died.

Mr Holubjowsky had been training for the challenge since Christmas.

The father-of-two formerly ran marathons and half-marathons but took up cycling after experiencing knee pain.

Mrs Holubjowsky said: "He liked to keep fit, to keep his weight down.

"His parents died quite young so he really liked to keep healthy."

Mr Holubjowsky was just 28 miles (45km) from the finish line when he suffered a heart attack

He was raising money for Loros - a hospice that cared for his mother and a close friend.

Mrs Holubjowsky said: "His target first was £500 but in the first day he smashed that so he upped it to £1,500.

"Obviously he went over that and he was just over the moon."

She said he would be "so proud" to know the total was still increasing.

A Loros spokesperson added: "We are devastated to hear the tragic news that John Holubjowsky, one of our dedicated supporters, has died.

"The commitment and support displayed by John over the past 15 years is special and something we are truly grateful for. We are in contact with his family and have reached out to offer our ongoing support."