LOCAL family funeral directors, Ernest Heal and Sons, met the challenge of a 100-mile cycle ride taking in both sides of the river Severn on Saturday (June 9).

The event was part of a busy schedule of fundraising events for Great Oaks Dean Forest Hospice in Coleford this summer.

“A ‘centenary’ challenge is cycling’s equivalent to a marathon - it’s really hard,” said Andrew De Witt, one of the seven-strong team.

“It was a team effort - not a race,” added Andrew. “Just to complete the distance was a huge achievement for all of us, but we had a great team, great support and really enjoyed it.”

Pete Page, Jonathan Blackburn, Tim Buckmaster, Tony Jones, Martyn Chappell, Andrew De Witt and Mike Beeks were the riders, with Gareth Moseley and Paula Mann driving the support van.

The ride started at the hospice at 7.30am, taking in Bigsweir Bridge, the old Severn Bridge, going all the way up to Arlingham and then returning via the Tyndale Monument, the Wye Valley and Redbrook, arriving at the hospice at about 5.30 pm.

Andrew said: “We are hoping to raise some greatly-needed funds for Great Oaks – it’s a much-loved local charity that has little state support.”

You can still sponsor the team by popping into any branch of Ernest Heal or Gordon Blake Funeral Directors or by going on the JustGiving.com website and searching for ‘severn100challenge’.

“Please give what you can, any amount would be most welcome,” added Andrew.