A TEAM of cyclists has completed an incredible challenge for charity by riding 100 miles a day for 10 days.

The group, named JOGLE16, cycled from John O’Groats to Land’s End from July 2 to 12, and smashed their fundraising target for Ark Cancer Centre Charity.

As well as achieving a great personal goal, the amazing team effort has generated £47,000 for the Basingstoke charity, which is raising £5million to help fund a unique local cancer treatment centre in North Hampshire.

JOGLE16 started out as a Bucket List challenge for friends and local businessmen Craig Killick, Gray Livingstone and Rob Jones, who joined Rob’s brother Bernie Jones to complete the entire cycle.

They were joined by several other riders who cycled various legs of the route.

The 12 cyclists were welcomed across the finish line at Land’s End by family and friends following their demanding, emotional and exhausting journey.

Craig said: “There was a massive sense of relief when we arrived at Land’s End. It is an amazing individual and team achievement, and it will probably take some time for it all to sink in.

“I am overjoyed that we have done this. It was very tough for all of us, whichever part of the journey each person took part in, but we are delighted to have achieved our goal and are so grateful for the great support that has resulted in the team raising more than double the £20,000 target that we had hoped to collect for such a good cause.”

All of the riders paid their way to take part in JOGLE16 to help maximise the amount of money that will go to the charity.

Craig added: “The JOGLE16 team have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from local companies, individual supporters, volunteer helpers and people on the journey.

“We are particularly grateful to Tony Wilkin and his company OB&M Ltd (Builders) for supporting us as the main event sponsor. We could not have done this without such great support.”

The team was welcomed back to Basingstoke with a special party held at The Tea Bar, in London Street, where a raffle boosted the total figure raised by more than £2,000.

Mark Jones, director of fundraising and communications at Ark Cancer Centre Charity, who was a support driver for the entire journey, said: “It was a privilege and honour to accompany the JOGLE16 riders on this journey. All of the cyclists put in an incredible amount of time, money and hard work in preparing for and taking part in this marathon challenge.

“Ark Cancer Centre Charity is grateful to these fabulous fundraisers, as well as the companies and individuals who have given generously by supporting and sponsoring the super cyclists.”

Money raised will go towards building a new cancer centre, earmarked for a site near Junction 7 of the M3, which will offer a range of support services and complementary therapies alongside chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments.

You can still make a donation to JOGLE16 by visiting jogle16.co.uk.