A four-day cycle challenge to Amsterdam has raised nearly £150,000 for St Wilfrid’s Hospice and St Michael’s Hospice in Hastings.

Seventy staff and supporters from the two hospices took to the saddle for the 280-mile Hospices to Holland adventure. The two event sponsors, global event management firm Identity, and insurance company Hastings Direct, also signed up team members to join in the pedalling trip of a lifetime.

Departing from Eastbourne and Hastings, the group travelled across the channel and then through the cycle-friendly cities and countryside in France, Belgium and Holland, where they crossed the finish line.

Rider Lynne Phair took part and said: “We all did this adventure for different reasons. The group had very mixed abilities, there were some hares and some tortoises! But as the fable goes, slow and steady wins the race, and when we got to Amsterdam, we had all won, as we had all done something amazing.”

St Wilfrid’s Hospice and St Michael’s Hospice Joint Medical Director, David Barclay, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to unite the two hospices to put on this incredible cycle adventure. We’re so in awe and grateful to all the riders as it was a massive commitment in terms of time spent training and actually completing the ride. A big thank you for raising invaluable funds which will help provide much-needed care at both hospices.”

Pictured: Seventy riders took part in the Hospices to Holland charity bike ride