A GROUP of cyclists have raised more than £4,000 for charity with a challenging 140km ride.

The 22-strong group cycled from Matfen Hall to Bamburgh and back over two days in July to raise the money for Tynedale Hospice at Home.

The cyclists, all members of Matfen Hall’s Aqua Vitae Leisure Club’s spinning classes, were ably assisted by Val Thornton and Angela Watson.

The pair drove support vehicles carrying essential supplies, including food, drinks and puncture repair kits.

One of the cyclists, Bob Bell of Hexham, said: “We were blessed with incredible weather and rode through some of the most fabulous countryside Northumberland has to offer, including Simonside and the Cheviot Hills, and passed by some gorgeous houses and castles at Chillingham, Bamburgh and Warkworth.

“Thanks to thorough preparation by everyone involved, we all completed both legs of the route, although we had to cope with a wonderfully explosive puncture.

“To complete a super weekend, the team at Aqua Vitae laid on a lovely welcome back reception and we were delighted to arrive home safe and sound having smashed our original fund-raising target of £2,000.”

Bob said the cyclists had supported Tynedale Hospice at Home, which provides end of life nursing care, a hospital transport service and bereavement support, for three years in a row.

He added: “We are delighted with this amazing total and would like to thank everyone who sponsored us and supported us along the way.

“We decided to support the hospice again because it’s the chosen charity of the year at Matfen Hall, but also because some of the group, including myself, have experienced cancer, and we know what a lifeline the hospice is for local people.”

Senior community fund-raiser for Tynedale Hospice at Home Cathy Bates said: “This is an incredible sum the group has raised. Their efforts are an inspiration and we can’t thank them enough for their amazing support.

“We provide support to around 430 people a year who need our services and every penny raised will make a real difference to the lives of local people and their families.”

Managing director at Matfen Hall Hotel Bernard Bloodworth said: “Everyone at Matfen Hall would like to congratulate the cycling team on this terrific achievement and the fantastic sum raised for Tynedale Hospice at Home – a wonderful charity we have been delighted to support for many years.”