A team of seven charity cyclists cycled 910 miles from Lands End to John o’Groats to raise around ?25,000 for charity. Five riders raised funds for The Children’s Centre with sponsorship going towards the charity’s many projects on the Island. The five include two riders who work for the charity - Chief Executive John Knight and Residential Team Member Jim Murphy - plus Mark Humphrey, of Long and Humphrey Advocates, who is also a Director of The Children’s Centre, Isle of Man Cycling Association Chairman Steve Shimmin, who works for MAC Financial, and Andy Parker who is a personal trainer. Completing the seven man team were Paul Warburton and Chris Palmer, who both work at Coutts, and they raised funds for the NSPCC which is the company’s chosen charity in the UK. John Knight said he was proud to be part of a team which had worked together to overcome the challenges of distance, terrain and weather which ranged from sunshine to rain, hail and sleet. He commented: “One of the many strengths that the team held lay in its very diversity. From the start there was no competition between the members to be the fastest or the best climber, or the most knowledgeable – the team recognised early on that to be successful there needed to be an honest culture of mutual support and the need to draw upon everyone’s differing strengths whether this be on the bike, in the route planning or in the social bonding that good humour and banter brings with it. Ultimately the team, all as individuals, wanted to be successful to both achieve their personal goal and to help raise the funds pledged for The Children’s Centre and the NSPCC. In the region of ?25,000 has been raised through this challenge to support the charities’ work with children, young people and families both here on the Isle of Man through The Children’s Centre and throughout the UK with NSPCC. It was a truly successful venture – goal achieved, great friends made, no accidents and significant monies raised.” During the trip the team climbed a total height of 32,073 feet - greater than climbing to the summit of Mount Everest! The team were supported by two volunteer drivers Harry Eastham and David Whitehurst who provided essential assistance to the team. Cycling jerseys were sponsored by Shoprite, and the Bikestyle cycle shop on Bucks Road, Douglas, contributed energy bars and drinks for the trip. - ENDS -