Best friends since school, Dave Rowley, Dave Atkinson, Andrew Cranford, Damian Webber and Graham Childs decided to take on the challenge in memory of Dave Rowley’s beloved wife, Mary, who was cared for by St Barnabas House.

The intrepid five took on 106 miles of exhilarating bridleways over two days, following ancient tracks that have been in use for over 5,000 years. The route took them alongside Bronze Age barrows and included challenging climbs which were rewarded by breath-taking views of the South Downs. The men were reassured by having another friend, Justine Cranford, close at hand driving the support van.

Wendy Bardsley, Community Fundraising Manager at St Barnabas House said: “The team raised £840 which was matched by HSBC Bank via its Pound For Pound scheme, resulting in an incredible fundraising total of £1,680. This is enough to pay for one day of all the care provided by the St Barnabas House Day Hospice.”

If you feel inspired to take on a cycling challenge for St Barnabas House, registration opens for the hospice’s annual off-road cycling event – Hit the Downs MTB – in January. For more information visit www.stbh.org.uk/hitthedowns