Group from Collingham Velo Club cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats, raising over £15,000 for charities, including; Children’s Bereavement Centre, Linconshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance, St Barnabas Hospice, The Maletsatsi Foundation, CRY, Macmillan Nurses, Copes Charity, and Europac

A group of friends have cycled the length of Britain, from Land’s End to John O’Groats, raising over £15,000 for charity in the process.

The 20-strong team from Collingham Velo Club spent 10 days in the saddle, battling the elements, and overcoming one of the biggest physical challenges any of them had ever taken part in.

What started out as an idea among friends quickly escalated and expanded, as Alan Skipper, the club’s vice chairman, explained: “It was one of those conversations that started out at the pub a couple of years ago, and then one thing led to another.

“It’s one of those bucket list challenges that not a lot of people can say they’ve completed.”

Club chairman Antony Samson organised the epic journey, with logistics and support provided by Great Bear Cycle Tours. Finally, on July 25, they were ready to put tyres to tarmac and set off.

The team passed through some of the most picturesque parts of the country and stopped off at quite a few landmarks along the way, including St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall, Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, and Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands.

“There was a lot of time and effort and preparation that went into it, so we’re tired, but also have a huge sense of achievement and satisfaction at what we’ve done,” Alan said.

“We overcame mechanical problems and the unpredictable nature of the British weather — we had a few soakings — but we did it.”

After cycling over 950 miles, with 45,000ft of elevation conquered, the team arrived at their destination at the very tip of mainland Britain on August 3 — celebrating with a well earned pint.

Alan added: “We’re all amazed that collectively we have raised so much money for charity and we had so much support from lots of generous people.

“So thank you to all our family, friends, colleagues, and anyone that donated.”

Everyone that took part self-funded the trip, and as a group managed to fundraise a total of £15,200 for a range of very worthy causes.

This included; £1,500 to Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance, £2,800 to St Barnabas Hospice, £1,200 to CRY - Cardiac Risk in the Young, £1,800 to Macmillan Cancer Support, and £1,900 to The Maletsatsi Foundation — a family-run child protection service in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Peter Merrick, of North Scarle, raised £6,200 alone for three cancer related charities, Children’s Bereavement Centre, Copes Charity, and Europac.

It is a cause close to his heart as his mum lost her battle with cancer when she was only 40-years-old, and he was just a teenager — later losing two uncles and a cousin to pancreatic cancer.

Thankfully his sister overcame her own cancer fight after also receiving her diagnosis when she was 40.

“My sister is an absolute inspiration to me, and coped with such strength when she suffered from this horrific disease,” said Peter.

“Not only did she get through it, but she has a steely determination and desire to live life to the full, and I love her and her family to bits.”

He added: “So, three good reasons for me to raise as much as I possibly can. Sadly we have all been affected by cancer one way or another.”