The group set out to raise £40,000 for Blesma by cycling 165 miles from Great Dunmow, Essex to Ypres. They embarked on their challenge from Great Dunmow safe in the knowledge that they had hit their target but are now astounded to know their efforts have secured £53,000.

Chairman Mike Dalton added: “Setting off knowing we had hit our £40,000 target was fantastic. The fact we have now raised £53,000 is outstanding. The effort everybody put in and the generosity of the people who donated was just incredible.”

The men had spent months training for the gruelling fundraiser and worked hard to complete their mission. A defining moment of their trip was when they arrived in Ypres and were able to take part in The Last Post Ceremony by laying a wreath.

"Laying the wreath at the Menin Gate will be a moment that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. It was a challenging ride. The first day we covered 96 miles which was a very long day."

“Even though the second day was a shorter ride, we still had to dig fairly deep because it was the first time we cycled 60 miles after riding 96 the day before, but knowing what we were doing it for kept us going.

“It was not easy but I think everybody took something away from it, there were so many personal achievements.”