Tadley resident Alex Bristow was one of four brave cyclists who took on the 87-mile Ridgeway National Trail in support of the National Deaf Children’s Society.

The secondary school teacher, who lives in Pamber Heath with his wife Helen and daughters Zoie and Alesia, took part in the two-day event along with fellow cyclists James Hellem, David Cousin and Richard Caldicott.

The team conquered the Ridgeway National Trail, which runs from Wiltshire to Buckinghamshire and is known as Britain’s oldest road, over the weekend of August 15 and 16. Due to some unexpected diversions, the team cycled a total of 96 miles over the two days.

The Ridgeway Riders chose to fundraise for the National Deaf Children’s Society because James Hellem’s niece Libby, now 5, had glue ear as an infant, which severely affected her hearing.

To date, the team has raised £370 for the National Deaf Children’s Society - which supports the UK’s 50,000 deaf children - over double their original fundraising target.

Alex said: “The first day was more cycling than any of us had ever done in one day in our lives, but it was so rewarding to complete the challenge on the second day. The views were just incredible. We discussed how rarely we find ourselves in big open spaces with amazing views like the ones we saw. James’s dad was waiting for us at the finish with some water – nothing has ever tasted so sweet. I could have kissed him!

“To take on a challenge like cycling the Ridgeway was great by itself, but to do it for such a worthwhile cause as the National Deaf Children’s Society made it sweeter still.”

There are more than 50,000 deaf children in the UK with 1,136 in Hampshire.

Claire Lubbock, community fundraising programme manager of the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “I want to say a huge thank you to Alex, Richard, James and David who took on the Ridgeway for us. We are very proud of you. I hope you had a great ride and were able to enjoy the beautiful countryside along the way.

“These four brave cyclists are enabling us to keep on doing what we do, providing life-changing support to deaf children and their families across the UK, now and into the future.

"Together we help to transform the lives of the UK’s 50,000 deaf children, break down the barriers society puts in their way and make sure no deaf child is left behind. But we can only do it because of the amazing support from people like Alex, Richard, James and David.”

The National Deaf Children’s Society is the leading charity dedicated to creating a world without barriers for deaf children and their families.

A spokesman for the charity said: "Together we overcome the social and educational barriers that hold deaf children back.

"There are more than 50,000 deaf children in the UK. We help them thrive by providing impartial, practical and emotional support, and by challenging governments and society to meet their needs.

"We believe that every deaf child should be valued and included by society and have the same opportunities as any other child."

The spokesman added: "Deaf children and young people are at the heart of our work. We make sure their needs come first, and we help others do the same. We give expert unbiased support to help deaf children and their parents make informed choices about their lives. We also work together with others to positively challenge unfairness."