Cyclists finish 'around the world' challenge

JCB workers completed their cycling challenge on Friday

Cyclists taking on a 42,000km (26,098-mile) challenge in support of a former colleague diagnosed with brain cancer have reached the distance with four days to spare.

Forty-two workers at JCB in Rocester, Staffordshire, began their "around the world" mission after Hannah Roberts, 20, was diagnosed with a tumour in 2022 and told she had 15 months to live.

Ms Roberts, from Willington, Derbyshire, wanted to raise £200,000 to build a respite lodge so other young adults with cancer could have a free break.

Her former co-workers aimed to raise £100,000 towards the cause.

The group took part in reaching the distance, equivalent to riding around the world, through a mixture of cycling on roads and attending spin sessions.

Their aim was to finish the ride on Tuesday, Ms Roberts' 21st birthday, but it was completed on Friday - four days early.

Joining them for part of the sprint finish at JCB was double Olympic gold medallist Lord Coe who congratulated the team on their efforts.

"This has been a tremendous effort by everyone involved and for such a wonderful cause. It just shows what can be achieved through teamwork,” he said.

Hannah Roberts, 20, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2022

Speaking to BBC Radio Derby, one of those involved, Max Jeffrey, said they were all doing it for Ms Roberts who he described as one of their own.

“Hannah is an inspiration to us all. She’s been diagnosed with this terrible disease and she’s then chosen to help others,” he said.

Steve Wales said reaching the target with four days to go was fantastic.

He added “When you’re out on that bike and your legs are burning and your lungs feel on fire, you’ve just got to remember what you’re doing it for and the great bunch of guys you’re doing it with.”

Ms Roberts and her mum Gail Iredale watched the end of the challenge on Friday

Ms Roberts, who was training to be a welder at JCB before her diagnosis, said her inspiration for the lodge idea came when she had chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

All she had wanted to do at the time, due to the treatment, was rest but she said she could not because of worries around money.

“There is no money for people to be able to actually rest and we’ve decided that we want to do this so people can have the ability to rest without worrying about things,” she said.

The challenge came after the firm helped Ms Roberts’ family reach a £250,000 fundraising target to allow her to travel to the US for immunotherapy treatment not available on the NHS.