A PAIR of siblings from South Cumbria have been praised for the fund raising they did for the Bay Hospitals Charity as they each set off on their own cycling adventure challenges.

Darryl Dixon and Sara Gabriel both took on their own cycling adventures to support the charity.

Darryl, who is from Flookburgh, raised thousands for Bay Hospitals Charity by completing the epic challenge of cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats in just six days.

Sara, along with her colleagues in the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust Medical Records Department in Barrow, showed their support by riding 440 miles on a static bike, raising further funds for the cause.

Between them the siblings have raised almost £9,000 for the charity, smashing their initial target of £5,000.

Darryl said: “I didn’t account for such difficult conditions. Because of the weather it took longer to cover the distance each day, and with eating, maintaining the bike and drying clothes before I knew it I was down to four hours’ sleep.

“But I thoroughly enjoyed it. The ride was a fantastic experience and I’m grateful that so many people have donated so much to such a good cause.

“I’m now really pushing to get to £10,000, but I’m delighted with the amount that has been donated so far.

Friend Neil Purcell joined Darryl on the expedition as support driver.

Darryl added: “I’d like to say a special thanks to Neil, who had to support me more than we ever thought.

"He went through it as much as I did. He was amazing and a great friend.”

Sara said: “The team cycled a massive 440 miles. They are all sore, but very proud to have supported Darryl in his monumental challenge. We would like to send a massive thanks to Industry 13 for the loan of the cycle.”

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust Non-Executive Director Adrian Leather said: “I’m in awe of them not only for riding 1,000 miles in six days, but also for the strength of character he has shown to complete the journey in such challenging weather and for the astonishing amount of money he has raised for Bay Hospitals Charity."