THEY were battered by wind and rain, but nothing was going to stop a team of fundraising cyclists from reaching their goal.

Gavin Wheeler and his friends Bob Bardell, Leanne Hillery, Benjamin Fabi, Liam Spurgeon, Paul Thomas and Jamie Rudderham took on the challenge of riding from Colchester to Land’s End in aid of Colchester’s Cancer Centre Campaign.

The group, who all live in the town, cycle regularly and wanted to make the journey as challenging as possible.

They decided, instead of the normal route, they would ride to Brighton and then travel to Land’s End along the south coast.

Their challenge was made even harder by severe weather.

Gavin said: “There were some strong head winds.

“On the route from Brighton to Bournemouth we had torrential rain for 65 of the 100 miles, along with some 50mph gusts of wind.

“It was cold and we had to have a complete change of clothes after the first 25 miles.”

However, there were also good times. Gavin said: “The views as we cycled along the south coast were brilliant.”

The team raised £12,657 including a £7,000 donation – £1,000 for each cyclist who completed the challenge. The total was more than three times the original target.

Caroline Bates, head of charity and fundraising for the Colchester Hospitals Charity, said: “We felt so sorry for the team when we saw the weather forecast.

“They were cycling in the pouring rain on a couple of days, so our admiration for them undertaking this challenge was even greater.

“It must have been gruelling cycling in such awful weather, but knowing how much money they had raised kept them going.

“We are grateful to them for keeping going and raising such an amazing amount.”

The cyclists took five days to complete the 490-mile ride and Gavin said it was completely worthwhile.

He said: “It was definitely a success and I enjoyed it.

“We wanted to support something which could help people in our area. My mum, Linda Turner, is suffering from cancer and there are so many others.”

The Cancer Centre Campaign, which is supported by the Gazette, aims to raise £4.5 million to build a centre on top of the radiotherapy unit at the hospital.

It will mean all treatments, including chemotherapy and haematology, can be given on the same site and support services will also be accommodated.

To support the appeal, text GAZE11 £10 to 70070 to donate to the Cancer Centre Campaign (or chose a different amount).

Cheques can also be made payable to CoHoC Cancer Centre Campaign and sent to Colchester Hospitals Charity, Villa 10, Turner Road, Colchester, CO4 5JL.