St Neots: Cyclists smash £2k target on 160 mile charity ride

Joseph and Alexander were fondly known by friends and family as Jia and Ali, and the cycle was also in memory of their dad, Gary Sturgess, who had sadly died in January 2019.

Craig, Jules (Joseph and Alexander's brother), Bibs, Gregg, Chrissy and Charlie all took part in the cycle. (Image: Brian Moore)

Jia and Ali's brother Jules and five of their friends set off from St Neots to Hunstanton and back on August 25 and have so far raised £2,035 for the mental health charity Mind.

They left St Neots Market Square at 7am and returned at 4pm on Sunday (August 27), welcomed by a hugely appreciative crowd, including the brothers' mum, Debbie Smith.

The cyclists were welcomed back with medals and a well-earned beer. (Image: Brian Moore)

"So many huge appreciated, respected thank yous and big hugs to the riders," said Debbie.

"They are all good friends of our family, and loved Jia and Ali and Gary so much and miss them.

READ MORE: St Neots businessman launches charity to remember friend with MND

"Well done to all the guys; they've done a beautiful, amazing thing, and it shows how much can be done collectively for people in need and in loving memory of those we have lost."

The cyclists were greeted with hugs and applause at the finish. (Image: Brian Moore)

The idea of the bike ride was initially thought of by a close friend of the family, Craig Leech, an active, keen cyclist who completed many miles with Jia.

Debbie explained: "At Jia's funeral, Craig got up and bravely announced that he wanted to do the bike ride, as Jia was planning to do one around the coast of England in loving memory of Alexander and his Dad."

The cyclists were gracefully-blessed with good weather during their journey. (Image: Brian Moore)

Craig got a group together, and they all had been training hard for more than a year in preparation for the ride.

READ MORE: Retired vicar given an almighty civic send-off ahead of huge 900 mile cycle

It was also decided they would raise money and awareness for Mind in respect of people, particularly men, who are suffering from mental health disabilities.

If anyone would like to still make a donation, you can by visiting the JustGiving page.

Unfortunately, some of Jia's and Ali's friends couldn't take part in the cycle but Debbie was thankful for lots of their kind thoughts and messages. (Image: Brian Moore)