CHEERED on by their wives and families, three King s School teachers Jerry Dale, Kevin Shaw and Andy Thomas rode into Land s End just after 6pm on July 19 after cycling from John O Groats in just 10 days – averaging 100 miles a day. They are confident of

CHEERED on by their wives and families, three King's School teachers Jerry Dale, Kevin Shaw and Andy Thomas rode into Land's End just after 6pm on July 19 after cycling from John O'Groats in just 10 days - averaging 100 miles a day. They are confident of raising more than £15,000 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Mr Dale said: "It was an amazing experience that will hopefully raise between £15,000 and £20,000.

"The best bits were the long, sweeping downhill rides through spectacular scenery, particularly in Scotland and the spectacular remoteness of the Scottish Highlands. We had a following wind for the first few days but the worst time was the penultimate day (Friday) when we hit some serious rain, head wind and hills and didn't finish until 8pm."

The trio were supported by fellow King's School teacher, Peter Wilson, who drove their back-up vehicle.

Kevin Shaw said: "After a long day we were lucky to have Peter guiding us in the van to our hotel destination in big cities, and also keeping us supplied with power bars en route. We were amazed by the generosity of the people we met who gave us cups of tea, money and considerable support and by the camaraderie of the other people we met doing the route, usually unsupported and carrying all their tents and luggage with them."

Andy Thomas said: "We all suffered stiffness in our quads and hamstrings at various times. There was always a monster hill to climb after we stopped for a break in the middle of the day. Riding on dual carriageways in the rush hour isn't much fun, but we shared a fantastic experience which none of us will ever forget."

n The King's School's fitness suite has been put to good use by 60 members of the school's teaching and bursarial staff - 12 teams of five - who signed up to cover the ride distance on running or rowing machines. Each team member paid an entry fee and many got additional sponsorship raising a total of £1581.70.

Trophies were awarded to the team that raised the most money: Hell's Kitchen Runners, Tony and Thomas McInally, Jane Taggart, Jim Murfit and Jordan Jarvis who raised £458; and Wallace and the Gromits, the team that was first to complete the distance in the gym, Andrew Wallis, Michelle Parr, Ray Jolly, Mark Hart and Wayne Gordon.

Pic cap: Ely teachers Andy Thomas, Kevin Shaw and Jerry Dale at Land's End.

Hell's Kitchen runners, back row, from left, Jordan Jarvis, Jane Taggart, Tony McInally and Jim Murfit; front, Michelle Parr, Ray Jolly and Mark Hart.

Photo: SUPPLIED