A gruelling cycling challenge has raised £85,000 for a cancer charity.
The London to Paris in 24 hours (LP24) ride, organised by PLANETS, took the charity's total fundraising to more than £3 million.
More than 50 riders, including cancer patients, clinicians, family members, and supporters, completed the 320km journey in under 24 hours, navigating sleep deprivation, cool early morning conditions, and intense heat during the final stretch into Paris.
The event exceeded its original £50,000 target and a revised goal of £75,000, thanks to strong support from the community.
One of those who completed the ride was Jane Clouting, a PLANETS supporter who took on the full distance to mark five years cancer-free and her 70th birthday.
She raised more than £10,000.
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Dr Brian Stedman, consultant interventional radiologist at University Hospital Southampton, PLANETS co-founder, and one of the riders, said: "LP24 has always been about far more than cycling.
"It brings together patients, clinicians, families and supporters in a way that very few events can.
"To complete the ride alongside so many inspiring people while raising £85,000 for cancer patients is something I’ll never forget.
"Passing the £3 million fundraising milestone is an incredible achievement for everyone who has supported PLANETS over the years.
"Every pound raised helps us continue investing in treatments, equipment and research that make a real difference to patients."
Jo Green, director of operations and marketing at PLANETS, said: "Our riders trained for months for what was an enormous challenge.
"Some were experienced cyclists, many were not, but every single person showed extraordinary determination to reach Paris.
"Behind the scenes, our volunteers worked tirelessly to keep everyone safe, fed, hydrated and motivated throughout the journey.
"To have everyone arrive safely in under 24 hours while raising an incredible £85,000 is beyond anything we hoped for.
"To reach more than £3 million raised since PLANETS was founded makes this achievement even more special."
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