29 challengers cycled more than 200 miles each from London to Paris, raising £55,000 for a regional children's mental health chairity, Kids Inspire.

Just under 6,000 miles is the combined total of miles cycled by the cyclists each riding in aid of Kids Inspire.

Across three days 'Team Kids Inspire' spent roughly 450 hours in the saddle between them and they cycled in hot conditions which peaked at 42 degrees!

On Thursday, 16 June 29 cyclists set off from Battersea Park, Central London, cycling 60-70 miles a day to the iconic Eiffel Tower and their finish line on Saturday, 18 June.

Barry Milchem, Leader for the Advent-Ecliptic team and Kids Inspire Ambassador was clear why he took on the 200-mile journey, saying: "I took on this challenge to raise much needed funds for the charity and the children they support.

"Barry went on to say: "There was a real buzz in the group throughout and as we came into the centre of Paris and got closer to the Eiffel Tower, I was surprised how emotional it was - there was a great feeling of celebration.

"The ride was hard work, but totally worth it!"

Cyclists were made up of corporate and individual supporters, some of which know and were inspired by Sue Bell OBE – CEO and Founder of Kids Inspire.

"This is what Steve Bush - one of the cyclists who had lost 252lbs during a personal transformation prior to signing up to the ride – had to say: "I chose to cycle for Kids Inspire for a few reasons; because its local and I know Sue and the charity through Unique Results (Steve and Sue's gym); but also because of how important I have found support and mental wellbeing on my own personal journey.

"Both of these are things that Kids Inspire deliver and this, in turn, aligns with my own personal values."

The combined total of funds raised will help Kids Inspire to continue delivering mental health services for children and young people in Essex and beyond.

Paula Ashfield, Head of Fundraising, said: "What an achievement from each and all of our 29 cyclists! Conditions were extreme with such hot weather, yet they all battled through, even with broken spokes and a loss of gears for some.

"We are so immensely grateful for all the time and effort the team put into training and fundraising on our behalf and couldn't be prouder of the result. Thank you to them all again for making a real difference to so many."

The next Kids Inspire fundraising challenge will be held in September this year. The team will be offering an accessible 15-mile cycle route around Great Baddow to celebrate 15 years of service!

More information can be found here: https://www.kidsinspire.org.uk/kids-inspire-sport-events-1/cycle