PICTURES: Team cycles 1,000 miles to raise thousands for charity

Riding under the name Team Quest Adventure, the group of seven cyclists travelled from St Malo in Northern France to Santander in Spain through the Pyrenees – a trip that saw them clock up 1,033 miles during ten days of cycling which began on September 1.

The team has raised almost £10,000 so far, a third of its £30,000 target, with the money going towards a new community facility for disabled children at Worthing Scope.

Rhona Bray, CEO of Worthing Scope, said: “The £10,000 raised will go such a long way with funding the new children’s service we intend to open next year.

“It has been truly inspiring so see how much work and effort has gone into this fundraising event.”

Among the riders was Simon Partner, 53, from Worthing. Simon’s daughter Georgina, 22, has a chromosome deficiency and attends Worthing Scope for one-on-one care, so he organised the ride to show his support.

Speaking before the event, he said: “They are head-and-shoulders, above and beyond.

“Most places have open and closing times and holidays, but here they accomodate when everywhere else is closed. It helps us on a day-to-day basis; we couldn’t survive without it. From my point of view and my daughter’s it’s the least you can do.”

With daily rides between 70 and 120 miles, the team had to cope with 30C heat, drizzle and mist and the risk of dehydration and exhaustion.

On their journey the riders saw fields of sunflowers, medieval architecture and travelling pilgrims before reaching their destination.

Polly Whyte, who has helped organise the fundraising, said: “The team all achieved each days ride: no one needed a lift or ‘sweeping up’ as they call it. They all had their moments as it was very tough, but ultimately they all made the grade.

“We have an ex-pro rider as a friend and he did not think all of them would make it when he saw the routes: 1,033 miles with 73,000 feet of climbing taking over 62 hours of cycle time to do it.”

Donations can be made online on the Team Quest Adventure JustGiving page.

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