ST LUKE’S Hospice has been presented with a cheque for £7,300 by a group of charity cyclists from Salcombe.

The gang of 20 rode an impressive 180 miles from Salcombe to Brest in France. The ride started on Thursday, September 17, when the gang took the ferry across the Channel, completing the trek in four days.

The ride was in memory of mutual friend Tina Favis, who passed away at the hospice in May 2007.

’A Ride for Tina’ has now turned into an annual event, with the team officially naming themselves ’The Lads from Salcombe’.

Tina’s husband Kevin, who organised the event said: ‘This is the ninth year that we have done the ride and we have raised more than £79,000 for a great and worthy cause. St Luke’s looks after patients very well and I felt that they look after families really well as well who are going through a tough time, which I found very reassuring. We would like to thank everyone who supported us as well, both the locals and the riders too.’

Wayne Marshall, St Luke’s Community Fundraiser added: ‘The lads (and ladies) are an incredible team and the money they raise will go a long way to supporting families like the Favis’ – it keeps the wheels turning for our community nurses, the doors open at Derriford Hospital and a warm welcome to our unit in Turnchapel. We’re so grateful to all the businesses, families and individuals who have supported the lads.’