FOUR friends were greeted with a heroes' reception on their return to Chester after completing an epic eight-day, 800-mile bike ride which saw them visit all 20 Premier League football grounds.

Sean Sweetman, Adam Stening, Russ Dean and Daniel Davies, who are all from Blacon, began their gruelling charity challenge on May 15 following a seven-month training programme.

Since then they have cycled through torrential rain, hailstones and heavy winds to reach the finishing line – in the form of Arsenal's Emirates Stadium – on Saturday (May 22), 24 hours before the final fixtures of the Premier League season.

The lads have raised a whopping £9,000 which is to be split between two charities close to their hearts – Stroke Association and the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).

Their efforts have helped raise awareness of both causes and, in particular, got other men talking openly about mental health issues by sharing their own personal struggles via their Saving Males Through Miles Facebook page.

The group were backed throughout by three friends – Chris Young, Ian Tyrrell and Luke Owen – who travelled in a support van.

Yesterday, they returned home where they were given a rousing reception by the Blacon community at The Waggon & Horses pub.

Chester FC fan Sean, who lost his dad Peter – an Arsenal supporter – to a stroke in July 2019, told The Standard: "It has been the most surreal week and the messages of support and open conversations we've had with strangers has been emotional.

"We were welcomed back to our local pub, The Waggon & Horses yesterday by hundreds.

"It was amazing to see the community come together. It's been a rough year with the pandemic and to see all those happy faces made it all worth while.

"We'd like to thank the community of Blacon, the donators of prizes, money and everyone involved at any point during this amazing journey."

Chester and District Standard:

Sean added: "What started as a crazy one off idea in a group chat has turned into a group that can, and will, help support others in Chester and further afield for as long as we're needed.

"We initially wanted to raise awareness for both the mental health charity CALM and the Stroke Association due to our own experiences with mental health issues and loss of family members to suicide and strokes. It's become so much more.

"Every member of the team has had their own battles with mental health, ranging from anxiety to trying to take the their own lives.

"That's the reality of it and that's okay to talk about it and be open about it.

"The last week has been the most physically and mentally exhausting time for all of us. It was in fact pain. The constant battles in our muscles and minds overcome by the support of each other and from speaking to our family, friends and strangers on our route.

"That pain though was temporary and for anyone struggling with their demons today, that pain is also temporary and you will get through it.

"To fight those demons every day means you are so much stronger than you think and you will beat them. We are here to support you with that.

"We initially set a goal of £5,000 to give something back to those charities for their dedication to helping others and to try to make a difference.

"We are now closing in on £7,000 online and and all together £9,000.

"But we must be clear, the money is secondary here. We want to spread awareness of strokes and mental health.

"We want to ensure people have somewhere to turn and talk when they feel down – it's okay not to be okay.

"For those of you suffering in silence. Speak up. We did that for you."