Triumphant cyclists who travelled more than 100 miles from Wiltshire to Devon raised more than £30,000 for the Stars Appeal. 

William Warden came up with the idea of doing a challenge after his wife Sarah was diagnosed with the disease and after telling friends about this plan, they were keen to support him. This led to the Unlikely Cyclists being formed.

Read more: This is now much Wiltshire Council spent on redundancies

The team of friends whose ages range from under 30 to over 70 include William, John Matthews, Andy Hillier, Matt Oakes, Mike and Elaine Davis, Nick Cordel, Matt Hurley, Alistair Fenwick, Wayne Davis, Tristan Warden and Chris Combe.

William said: “Sarah was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in late 2022 and while sitting in Salisbury Hospital’s Breast Unit, one grey and damp morning, I read through the list of companies and individuals who had donated to fund the unit to provide a calm and peaceful atmosphere for treatment and felt I would like to do something to help.

"The care Sarah received from the dedicated team of nurses was faultless.”

Read more: Woman snaps leg but scoops lottery win straight after

They set off from Marston near Devizes on Thursday, July 13 and headed to Axminster, then on to Mortonhampsted on the edge of Dartmoor the following day.

William said: “When we got to Axminster, we were fairly tired, but we all made it. The weather on Friday was a big challenge. Everyone was glad they did it.”

William who had initially set up a JustGiving page with a target of £5,000 was “amazed” as the fundraising total continued to grow.

The Stars Appeal aims to raise over £1 million each year to fund projects offering direct, practical support to patients, their families, and the Hospital’s staff.

Read more: Journal photographer talks burned buildings, secret rooms and his love of Salisbury

Members of the group visited the Breast Unit at the Hospital on Monday, August 9 for a special cheque presentation and also, had a talk about the charity’s work.

William said: “We never envisaged getting anywhere near that amount. To get over £30,000 we were astonished. We hope it will make a difference to a lot of people and can’t thank everyone who supported us enough.”

Alongside its Breast Unit, the charity has provided the Hospital with additional CT and MRI scanners and a range of new facilities including an enhanced Children’s Unit and Cardiac Suite.

Donations also help fund projects supporting cancer patients, including free aromatherapy, headwear for patients who lose their hair, free drinks for chemotherapy and oncology outpatients, and a prehabilitation programme offering one-to-one support to help patients prepare for surgery and treatment.

Dave Cates said: “We are so grateful to William and Sarah, and all of the cyclists and their supporters, for raising such an incredible sum for our charity. It will enable us to continue our work enhancing care for thousands of patients every week at Salisbury Hospital and supporting their families and the NHS staff that care for them.”