A FABULOUS French-themed evening celebrating the achievements of cycling fundraisers saw the group smash past the £200,000 barrier.

On Saturday, an event called Une Grande Nuit was organised by the Arkriders, in partnership with the Apollo Hotel in Basingstoke, to mark the success of three years of fundraising by the bike-riding supporters in aid of Ark Cancer Centre Charity, and to pull in more money for the cause, which is raising £5million towards a new NHS cancer treatment centre in Basingstoke.

The Arkriders have been involved in four fundraising rides since 2016, and their Ark to Arc journey – which took them from Basingstoke to Paris in July 2017 – was the inspiration for the theme of Saturday’s 180-guest event.

For the event, MasterChef 2016 champion Jane Devonshire, a supporter of the charity, designed an Anglo-French three-course dinner which was cooked by Apollo Hotel head chef John Dehelean and his team.

Other highlights at the event included a good-luck video message from EastEnders stars Shane Richie and James Bye, and a performance by surprise singing waiters The Rat Pack Boys.

Five prizes were donated for a live auction, including Jane Devonshire creating a fine dining private dinner party for eight in the successful bidder’s home; a five-night stay in a luxury hotel in Malta; a VIP day out for 20 people with a top cycling team; and the auction of a specially-created painting by acclaimed Basingstoke artist Sian Storey.

The sale of these items, together with proceeds raised from a raffle and a silent auction meant that £30,324 was raised – taking the Arkriders’ running total to £216,375.

Craig Killick, one of the founders of the Arkriders, thanked everyone who has been involved in organising, and supporting, Une Grande Nuit, and the Arkriders various fundraising rides.

After explaining why the Arkriders are so passionate about supporting the campaign to build a local cancer treatment centre in Basingstoke, Craig asked all 180 guests to stand up.

He then said: “Now, can everyone who has been affected by cancer – you, family, or a close friend – please sit down.”

The whole audience, except for one person, were soon in their seats.

Mark Jones, director of fundraising and communications for Ark Cancer Centre Charity, thanked everyone for their support, and paid tribute to the Arkriders, and Apollo Hotel general manager Paul Fearon.

The evening was rounded off with a disco after Basingstoke soul singer and Ark supporter Natasha Watts delivered a 30-minute set.

Mr Jones said: “This was an amazing, fun, and successful evening which celebrated the achievements of the incredible Arkriders, and was another huge fundraising success for Ark Cancer Centre Charity."

Ark Cancer Centre Charity is raising £5million towards the new cancer treatment centre, and this will provide a range of support services and complementary therapies, alongside chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, in a calm and uplifting environment.

Largely being funded by Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT), plans are progressing to locate the new cancer treatment centre on the existing Basingstoke hospital site.