Pictures and video: Shropshire bike ride foursome finally in Big Apple

The intrepid foursome from Ludlow have covered 4,000 miles led by 24-year-old website designer Kyle Williams, who cycled the whole distance with support from his three friends.

Kyle pedalled the final stretch from Newark, Delaware, into New York city on Wednesday after a gruelling journey through 15 states, starting from San Francisco on April 21.

The trip was one that Kyle's friend Joel Lawrence, who died of stomach cancer in 2010 aged just 19, always wanted to make.

Firefighters Richard Clarke, 25, and George Jacks, 24, along with cabinet-maker Mike Baker, 25, have been travelling with Kyle as his support team, all in aid of Joel's Wish, a charity set up to provide support to cancer sufferers between 19 and 30 in Shropshire and Herefordshire.

Kyle said: "The best bit was probably the Rocky Mountains. It was an 11,000ft climb over some huge peaks with snow and storms but the views at the top were just spectacular."

He said the low was Kansas which was "flat and windy and very, very boring" to ride through.

The team was joined by Joel's father John Lawrence, who flew out to Washington DC to meet and travel with them for the last few days.

Speaking before the final push to New York, Mr Lawrence said: "It's quite surreal being here with the guys. They're doing a cracking job, the interaction's great and morale in the camp is really good."

But there had been ups and down over the final days of the journey, with Kyle struggling to keep his focus and good spirits, he said.

A few days earlier, while in Ohio, he had called Mr Lawrence, known to his friends as Lenny, for advice.

Speaking on the Joel's Wish blog, Kyle said: "I told him that we were all struggling and feeling rubbish to which he remarked 'cabin fever'. It's so strange that the team spent ages trying to work out what it is that's making us feel so rubbish – then within seconds Lenny hits the nail on the head."

He said bowling, dinner at a smoke house and a few drinks helped the team relax to the point Ohio became one of his favourite places from the whole trip.

On completing the epic journey, he said: "It's been very mentally draining and an emotional rollercoaster really, but I'm very proud to say that I've fulfilled Joel's dream of travelling across America."

Organised with the help of Ludlow Rotary Club, the team has been helped by rotary members across the USA on their trip.

They have raised about £15,000 but with more yet to come in are hoping to reach £20,000.

The four are back in Shropshire by June 21. To donate to Joel's Wish text JOEL53 (+ donation amount) to 70070 or visit www.joels wish.org.