STAFF from Tata Chemicals Europe put their pedal power to the test to support St Luke’s Hospice and Sport Relief.

The charity cyclethon took place at Sainsbury’s store in Northwich, and involved about 50 TATA employees, supported by hospice staff.

Staff from the Winnington Lane company smashed their target of cycling the equivalent of Northwich to Land’s End – a distance of 400 miles – by completing 703 miles on the day.

The staff achieved the feat using four exercise bikes generously provided by The Works Gym, which is next to Winnington Hall.

The marathon ran from 9am to 5pm, with the fundraisers doing half-hour or hour slots, and the cyclists included Sarah Mills, Vickie Badderley, Angela Slack, Claire Langston and Damon Cripps from the hospice.

TATA chose the hospice as its charity of the year for 2016, and the cycling marathon took place at the store entrance.

Generous passers-by kept the cyclists’ spirits up by donating to the cause, and the event raised £1,050, which included £203 in sponsorship by Joe Wright from TATA.

Stephen Weston, head of corporate responsibility at TATA, said: “It was a fantastic event, which was well received by both employees and the general public.

“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it, and we raised a lot more money than we thought we would. Well done to everyone who took part and supported the event.

“Thank you to everyone, especially Joe Wright, who raised £203 before the event started in sponsorship from friends and colleagues.

“We will have more fun events throughout the year to raise funds for our partner charity, St Luke’s.”

The fundraising total was divided between the hospice, which received £735, and Sport Relief, which received £315.

Claire Langston, director of income generation at the hospice said: “What a feat! The day was great fun, and we are very appreciative of the support we received from TATA and Sainsbury’s. Thanks to everyone who donated.”

St Luke’s Hospice needs to raise £8,600 a day to provide care and support to patients in mid and south Cheshire. If your business is interested in supporting St Luke’s please email damon_cripps@stlukes-hospice.co.uk.