He had ‘sores on top of sores’ – but it was worth it.

Dan Field went through seven days and 540 miles of pain this month for a valuable cause as he and nine other core cyclists from pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk raised awareness of diabetes.

The company have long been publicly involved in supporting those with the condition, and after starting out in Leicester Dan and co stopped off at Potts Shrigley, Liverpool, Cannock, Cheltenham, Wootton Bassett and Watford – as well as the Olympic Park in London – to spread their message.

But they were not alone. Every day they were joined by up to 120 different riders, the majority of which were doctors or people with diabetes, while members of the Novo Nordisk pro-cycling team joined them on rotation.

The pro-riders also went into various schools and hospitals along the way to give talks and presentations.

“It was hard work and the peak district was particularly tough – but after the first two days the weather was good and the whole experience was amazing,” Dan told Teleghraph Sport.

“I felt humbled. We wanted to give everyone the best experience possible, and riding alongside people and listening to how they embrace diabetes was inspiring.

“Towards the end of the week I was tired and had sores upon sores but those people helped me and everyone else keep going.”

Some guests returned to join the group after taking part last year, and one youngster went on to 10 Downing Street later in the week and met Theresa May on behalf of the JDRF.

Dan has already stated his intention to be involved next year, with the possibility of the route incorporating parts of Wales.

To see more about the journey of Dan and his teammates you can do so on Twitter via the accounts @citiesdiabetes and @teamnovonordisk or hash tags #cycleforcities, #urbandiabetes and #changingdiabetes.