A BAE worker is undertaking the three 'biggest challenges' of his life in memory of a friend.

Scott Eastham is raising money for the Furness and District branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, a charity that was close to the heart of Wilson Shepherd, who died last year.

Wilson was described as being fit and healthy right up until his death (Image: Lesley Mease)Wilson was described as being fit and healthy right up until his death (Image: Lesley Mease) (Image: Submitted)

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Having already completed a 112-mile bike ride in May, Scott rode for 24 hours straight between Friday and Saturday last week (August 16 and 17) at Industry 13 Gym on Roose Road - ultimately covering over 500km.

Scott pictured 18 hours into the challenge - at roughly 4.30amScott pictured 18 hours into the challenge - at roughly 4.30am (Image: Scott Eastham)

Scott said: "The worst thing about it was the not moving - being static the whole time was mind over matter and, several times throughout the night, I wanted to quit. 

"Sleep deprivation was intense and if I didn’t have the people around me that I did, I wouldn’t have completed it - a big thank you to all of them and Industry 13 for letting me use their facilities.

"A big thank you to my girlfriend Olivia [Lyon] must also be made - the long nights of cycling at the gym and in the house and early mornings on a weekend can’t have been easy for her, looking after our two dogs and being my personal chef."

From left to right: Scott, Olivia Lyon, Danielle Finlayson, Derrie Johnson and Dave ThompsonFrom left to right: Scott, Olivia Lyon, Danielle Finlayson, Derrie Johnson and Dave Thompson (Image: Scott Eastham)

Wilson, 25, died last year following a sudden cardiac arrest, having always been a fit and healthy individual.

"I met Wilson through working in the calibration centre in BAE and became closer to him when he came to work in the same team back in 2020," Scott explained. 

"Wilson had a love for sporting events like the Keswick-to-Barrow and had started to turn to Ironman triathlons."

The end results after 24 hours. Scott had a picture of Wilson with him throughout the entire challengeThe end results after 24 hours. Scott had a picture of Wilson with him throughout the entire challenge (Image: Scott Eastham)

The BAE electrician has so far raised £3,250 in Wilson's memory, a total he will be hoping to add to when he takes on the London to Paris challenge in September, a gruelling 280km route from Greenwich Park to the foot of the Eiffel Tower.

"I’ve got just over five weeks until I set off on that adventure and I’m looking forward to it.

"I've never ridden outside of the UK before and riding with over 90 people will be amazing - I’m hoping for clear skies and sun!"

You can still donate to Scott's fundraiser by visiting his JustGiving page here.