Four intrepid cyclists have completed a gruelling challenge and raised £10,000 for East Cheshire Hospice.

The riders cycled through four European countries in four days.

Jonathan Spencer, Sean Harper, Tom Healey, and Nick Stone started their 444km marathon on July 4.

The ‘Fantastic Four’ work for insurance outsourcing company S&G Response in Wilmslow.

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The team started in Calais, France, cycled through Bruges and Brussels in Belgium, Maastricht in the Netherlands and finished in Cologne, Germany.

Nick Stone, operations director at S&G Response, said “I am so proud to have been part of an amazing team of both cyclists and support crew, without which the event wouldn’t have been possible.

“It was hard work but overall enjoyable.

“Now we have seen the final donation figure of just over £10,000, it makes all the effort worthwhile for such a worthy cause.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to all the team, and everybody who supported us from across the industry, family, friends and within S&G Response.

“We were inundated with generous donations and lots of messages of support.”

S&G Response has raised or donated more than £63,000 and provided more than 380 volunteering hours to local good causes in the last 12 months.

This hospice was chosen as it is close to the hearts of their employees.

Sean Harper, fleet supply chain manager, said: “Wow, what a wonderful event and challenge.

“The ride was an overwhelming success.

"I feel so proud that we all completed the ride and raised money for such a fantastic charity.

“I’m genuinely looking forward to the next opportunity of giving back to our local community and raising awareness of such a worthwhile cause such as the East Cheshire Hospice.

“I can honestly say I enjoyed every minute but seeing the directors waiting for us at the finishing line, to cheer us on, was a personal highlight for me.”

East Cheshire Hospice requires £3.5 million each year to operate, and the cyclists’ contribution will support the hospice in providing their completely free service for patients and their families.

The hospice receives only 17 per cent of their running costs from the government, they rely on the kind support and donations of individuals and companies who can donate to help keep the hospice running.