The end of more than gruelling 14 days on the Hope 66 journey to raise money for the Hope House Hospices, came when the riders cycled down on to Santa Monica Pier, the end of the legendary Route 66 Highway across America. The joy of reaching the end and especially for those whose loved ones waited them, was palpable.

The journey of 2616 miles through deserts, over mountains, past miles and miles of corn fields is now over. Eighteen months of meticulous planning from a dedicated team of GM Fundraising volunteers – particularly Morty, Brocko, Iain and Alan – came to a successful conclusion in the sunshine of California.

Particular credit must go to the 15 cyclists for all the hard work they have put in over months of training and fundraising, and then summoning up the mental and physical will to put their bodies to the test over the past couple of weeks. Well done guys!

A big ‘thank you’ must go to Mike Derham and Mighton Products for agreeing to sponsor the event from the outset and allowing the event to go ahead.

The total raised from this epic ride was £ 180,606.35