Four workmates from Shrewsbury have used pedal power to raise more than £3,500 for us after completing a gruelling 125-mile sponsored cycle ride.

Owen Lloyd, Kim Marmaras, Billy Salter and Dan Stanley from Morris Lubricants in Shrewsbury cycled the route on one of the hottest days of the summer.

Morris Lubricants’ executive chairman Andrew Goddard joined the four cyclists for the final four-mile leg of the ride, pedalling a vintage bread delivery bike that was used when the company’s founder James Kent Morris ran a grocery shop in Shrewsbury.

Around 12 hours after leaving their offices and factory in Shrewsbury, the cyclists were greeted on their return by cheering workmates who had stayed after work to see the team cross the finish line.

Worth the effort

Owen said: “None of us had come close to cycling this distance before and it was a big feat to complete the 200km. It was a tough ride but really enjoyable and we had a great team spirit.

“Colleagues in a support vehicle kept us hydrated with drinks and each of the touring and holiday parks we visited had laid on food and drinks which really helped push us on.

“Meeting one of the children at Hope House gave us the energy to complete the ride and we are all delighted to have raised more than £3,500.”

Andrew Goddard said: “It was a brilliant achievement by the four cyclists in very hot and energy-sapping weather conditions. They really are heroes and did the company proud in raising a fantastic amount of money for such a wonderful charity.

“The four miles I did at the end was really nothing in comparison to what they did, although I found wearing a flat cap was not the best idea in the heat, but I did manage to deliver a basketful of bread on time for the staff to take home!

“Thank you to everyone who supported them on their journey and with donations which are still coming in.”

The sponsored ride is one of a series of fundraising events being held this year by Morris Lubricants and Morris Leisure to us, the companies’ adopted charity for 2022.

Our fundraiser Bekki Fardoe said: “We cannot thank the cyclists enough for completing their amazing challenge in the heat. We are hugely grateful for their support, particularly at a time of rising costs for everyone.

“Without the support of people like them and companies like Morris Lubricants and Morris Leisure, we simply would not be able to be here for the seriously ill children and their families that need us.”

Watch video and see pictures from our Cycle Challenge