Care staff complete 320-mile charity cycle

Staff from SweetTree Home Care Services and Barchester Healthcare came together to raise £17,000, which will be split between two charities.

Over five days a team of 11 cyclists completed a 320-mile challenge, travelling through seven counties in aid of Chai Cancer Care and the Barchester Foundation, which supports elderly people and disabled adults.

Barry Sweetbaum, managing director of SweetTree, was among those who took part in the challenge. Speaking about his experience, he said: “It was a tough challenge and I’m so proud of the whole team for the dedication and effort they put in. We are so thankful for the support we received from the whole SweetTree team and our friends and family.

“We’re incredibly grateful for all the generous donations we received. The money raised will make a huge difference to the charities and the families they support.”

Lisa Steele, chief executive of Chai Cancer Care, attended a special reception at SweetTree’s north London offices, where she was presented with a cheque for the charity, which provides specialist services to cancer patients and their families. Thanking the riders, she said: “The substantial amount of money raised by doing this challenge will go towards supporting the 1,750 cancer patients and their loved ones nationwide. Without the commitment and determination of the people doing these enormous challenges we would not be able to continue to provide our specialised services.”

Chris Vellenoweth, trustee of the Barchester Foundation, added: “This is a truly wonderful effort and will enable the Barchester Foundation to help more people to improve their quality of life. We are very grateful to the riders for their success.”