A SHEEP racing event welcomed home a terminally ill Herefordshire farmer who is continuing his 5,000-mile charity ride around the coast of mainland Britain.

Jon Birchall, 54, from Letton, set off on his trusted 28 year-old Yamaha FJ1200 motorbike for the biggest and most demanding journey of his life on June 6 from under the shadow of the iconic Blackpool Tower.

Having now completed stages one and two around Wales and the Scottish and North West coasts, he's now preparing for stage three from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Colchester.

An event featuring live sheep racing and other family entertainment – organised by his sister, Jill Williams and her family at Marston Court, near Pembridge – welcomed him home after the latest phase of his journey and helped raise £1,500 towards his cause.

Funds raised on the day also went to St Michael's Hospice and Pembridge School.

Mr Birchall was diagnosed with episodic fatigue when he sought medical advice after finding himself constantly tired in 2010.

Doctors later discovered he had a tumour the side of a cricket ball on his left kidney and, despite surgery to remove the cancer, medics later found it had already spread to his lungs.

He now wants to spend his remaining time, estimated to be 30 to 40 months, promoting awareness of early diagnosis and raising funds for research into diagnosis and better treatments for kidney cancer for the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer.

"I am both relieved and elated that we've completed the Scottish stage successfully. I was daunted by the prospect of riding 2,000 miles in remote areas on a 28-year-old bike but all went according to plan. I've seen some of the most glorious scenery and gained many new wonderful friends and supporters to who I'd like to extend the very greatest of thank yous," he said.

Offers of support and donations can be made at facingup2kidneycancer.org, by visiting justgiving.com/facingup2kidneycancer.