AFTER using pedal power from John O’Groats to Land’s End, London to Brighton, and from Basingstoke to Paris, a team of fundraiser are gearing up for another challenge.

The Arkriders have collectively raised nearly £180,000 for Ark Cancer Centre Charity’s £5million campaign to help fund a much-needed new cancer treatment centre in Basingstoke.

The group’s big event of 2018 will be a charity dinner at the Apollo Hotel, in Basingstoke, on September 22 – but they could not resist arranging a 2018 cycling reunion.

On July 14, a 36-strong group of Arkriders, including some new recruits, will set off from the Apollo Hotel and will travel 70 miles to Bournemouth, before making the return journey the next day.

The event is called the Bournemouth Beano, and it has been sponsored by Ark Our Partner supporter Beaufort Financial.

The cyclists have all paid their own way to take part, and some of the entry fee will be donated to Ark after costs are covered.

Some of the riders are also seeking sponsorship support through fundraising pages.

Mark Jones, director of fundraising and communications at Ark Cancer Centre Charity, said: “The Arkriders are an incredible group of people who have made such a massive difference to Ark Cancer Centre Charity’s £5million fundraising campaign in support of the new cancer treatment centre.

“Good luck to the riders and support team who are taking part in the July 14-15 Bournemouth Beano. We hope that the Arkriders have a lot of fun, and thanks to everyone who supports their latest fundraising efforts for the charity and cancer treatment centre.”

An Arkriders team fundraising page has been set up on JustGiving and supporters can make a donation at justgiving.com/fundraising/craig-killick.

The £5m appeal will ensure a range of support services and complementary therapies are available alongside chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments at a centre to be built on the existing Basingstoke hospital site.