GM Fundraising is going out on an all-time high, raising nearly £209,000 with its ‘From Russia With Hope’ epic cycle ride, making the marathon effort not only the last in a 14-year history but the biggest ever fundraiser.

“When we announced that this was going to be our final cycling challenge, we were determined to go out on a high,” says Gary Morton, founder of GM Fundraising and ‘From Russia With Hope’ rider, “But, raising over £200,000 is simply astounding. What a way to end what has been a phenomenal journey of cycling challenges over these past 14 years.”

The organisation has now collected all the money raised for the Hope House Children’s Hospices. It not only comes to a record £208,891.72 but also brings the total raised by all seven events in the series to over three quarters of a million pounds.

The Russian ride also proved to be the toughest, as Gary explained: “With many trials and tribulations along the way, such as road closures, breakdowns, punctures, torrential rain and soaring temperatures, and much more climbing than anticipated, the team of 24, including 18 cyclists, certainly rose to the challenge – nothing was going to stop us! And our fantastic support team endeavored to keep us all going.

He continued: “None of this would have been possible without our headline sponsor Brisant Secure, who not only covered the overheads of the ride, but were also with us every step of the way supporting in any way they could. I’d like to thank every person involved – those who took part, supported and helped in any way, to make this a record-breaking event in terms of challenge, monies raised and fun. I’d also like to extend additional regard to those who have been there for GM Fundraising for all, or most, of the rides. We have all gained life-long memories and friendships and that makes it all worthwhile.

From Russia with Hope is the last in the series, preceded by:

2005: Top2Bottom – John O’Groats to Land’s End – 974 miles – £51,000

2006: Tower2Tower – Eifel Tower to Blackpool Tower – 473 miles – £34,000

2008: Ride4Hope – San Diego to Atlantic City – 3,182 miles – £91,000

2010: Rome2Home – Rome to Hope House – 1,590 miles – £51,000

2013: Hope66 – Chicago to Santa Monica – 2,660 miles – £134,000

2016: Border2Border – Vancouver to Mexican Border – 2,172 miles – £186,000

“While we might have hung up our cycling clips, the challenge is not over,” Gary Concluded. “2020 is going to be huge year for GM Fundraising with a variety of events taking place including the Gala Dinner, Golf Gay, GMF Cup and the second all-female challenge. Watch this space as we charge on to our target of £2m by 2020.