Harry of Harrogate Walking Tours is hospitalised after accident during epic charity cycle to the Pyramids

Although the charismatic tour guide told the Harrogate Advertiser his injuries were not life-changing after he was in a serious accident with a van while cycling in Turkey, his epic journey all the way to Egypt by bicycle is at an end.

Having set off on July 1 with the intention of cycling all the way to Cairo to raise funds for Harrogate-based charity Artizan, Harry Satloka says he “very battered and bruised” but, fortunately, starting to recover.

If the brave Harry – he describes the incident as “a little bit of a wobble” – is not quite a write-off himself, his bike named Rudolph certainly is.

There is now an ongoing investigation by the Turkish police into the accident.

Harry, who is keen that as much money as possible goes to Artizan, which transforms the lives of differently-able people through high-quality crafts training, talked to the Harrogate Advertiser about the recent dramatic events and what he intends to do next.

Harry said: "Having spent the last four months crossing Europe and then Türkiye, I made it to the Syrian border.

"The experience comes second only to the privilege that was being Harrogate's Tour Guide.

"The warmth, kindness and generosity of people has been truly humbling and reignited my faith in humanity.

"I have loved every minute from the mountain climbs to cruising along salt flats.

"Due to the war, the plan had been for the last few weeks to fly from the border with Syria to Alexandria and carry on from there.

"Luckily given the extra miles I had put in, wiggling around visiting historic sights, I had actually covered 1,000 more miles than just heading straight to the Pyramids so, hopefully, anyone who had donated to the wonderful Artizan wouldn't have felt too cheated by my flying over the Middle East.

"Unfortunately, last week on October 9 when just three days from my end point in Eastern Türkiye, I was involved in a collision with a van.

"The police investigation is still on going so for legal reasons I can't go into too much detail.

"Essentially whilst heading though a tunnel I was hit from behind and taken to Kahramanmaraş University Hospital where I received the best treatment possible.

"Remarkably I am alive and although very battered and bruised as well as feeling rather sorry for myself.

"No broken bones or permanent damage which I am eternally grateful for.

"Rudolph my bicycle, on the other hand, is a write-off.

"I managed to salvage his bell but everything else was destroyed, from the wheels to the frame.

"And as much as it pained me to say goodbye, I had to send him to the scrapyard.

"I am making a swift recovery and, although I was well enough to travel to Alexandria, unfortunately, I am still unable to cycle and am having to find another method to reach the Pyramids before coming home next week.

"I cannot begin express my disappointment and remorse to Artizan and all of the incredibly generous people who have already donated to such a fabulous cause, that I wasn't able to properly finish the trip on two wheels.

"If anyone feels they would like a refund for their donation I am happy to personally cover that."