A TEAM of big-hearted bikers from Gloucestershire who battled severe wet weather to complete a gruelling 250-mile cycle ride across the Southwest have handed over a total of £4,175 to charities close to their heart.

Cyclists rode from Lands’ End to Berkeley Castle for the Hills Of Hope – The Southwest Hills cycling challenge.

The mighty cyclists were raising money for five charities and recently met with the fundraising team at Sue Ryder’s Leckhampton Court Hospice in Cheltenham to hand over £1,200 of the total raised to the healthcare charity.

Craig Barnett created the challenge, in memory of his brother Heath, and this was the sixth-year friends, business colleagues and partners came together to complete an epic cycling challenge to raise vital funds.

This year’s charity cycle took extra pedal power, with just under 20 hours riding time completed in the rain and with amber weather warning in place for parts of the region.

Cycling alongside Craig, who is E G Carter and Co Ltd commercial manager, was the firm's associate director, Peter Blanch. Support was provided by Colin Mitchell, as well as business partners Allstone Speedy Skips, commercial manager, Robin Heffter and co-owner and director, Richard Street.

Craig said: “I am incredibly proud of our team of determined cyclists and support crew who despite the treacherous weather went on to complete the challenge, raising awareness and vital funds for some very worthy charities.

“As always, we were driven by the fact we were taking on the challenge in memory of our loved ones and in support of each other.”

Robin from Allstone Speedy Skips said: “This year was our most challenging yet, but I am delighted with the money we have raised for our five chosen charities Sue Ryder, the Alzheimer’s Society, Children with Cancer UK, Linc and Great Western Air Ambulance.

“Thank you to our customers and suppliers who have been showing us such great support by getting behind us and donating.”

To donate to the Hills of Hope – The South West Hills challenge visit: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/hillsofhope2022