THREE Phoenix Wealth fundraisers have piled on the pedal power and pulled in the pounds to support the Basingstoke office’s charity of the year.

As part of the Phoenix Super Hero Charity Challenge, Simon Daunter, Ali Cuthbert and Dave Deadman were part of a 13-strong team that cycled from the Phoenix Wealth's office in Basingstoke to the firm's Wythall office, just south of Birmingham.

The Basingstoke-based staff at Phoenix – formerly AXA Wealth – have been supporting Ark Cancer Centre Charity, which is raising £5million towards a unique local cancer treatment centre, as their charity of the year during 2016 and 2017.

The latest fundraising feat saw Simon, Ali and Dave pile on the miles for Ark, while 10 other colleagues from Wythall raised money for their office's chosen charity – and the successful event saw another £2,500 added to Ark’s coffers.

And while the cyclists were clocking up the miles on the road, colleagues back in Basingstoke rode segments of the ride on stationary training bikes with the aim of covering the equivalent distance of 100 miles, on a relay basis, before the on-road riders finished their challenge.

Chief operating officer Mike Shrimpton said: “In the Basingstoke office, we have a long-standing passion for supporting local charities, and doing physical challenges to raise money for them.

"We’re incredibly proud to be supporting Ark – a charity close to the hearts of many employees here – and helping them to achieve their goal.”

Merv Rees, Ark Cancer Centre Charity trustee, said: “Thanks to Simon, Ali and Dave for taking on this cycling challenge, and thanks to everyone in Basingstoke who got involved by riding on the static bikes.

“Ark is grateful for the great support that the charity has received from the Basingstoke-based team at Phoenix Wealth. Every pound raised takes us closer to the charity’s £5million target. Thanks to everyone at Phoenix Wealth who has made a difference.”

The £5m that Ark Cancer Centre Charity is raising will ensure a range of support services and complementary therapies are available alongside chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments in a calm and uplifting environment.