A GROUP of John of Gaunt school friends have cycled 280 miles along old Roman roads from York to Bath for charity.

The 15-strong group of amateur cyclists completed the three-day marathon last weekend.

Their route took them from York to Lincoln, Lincoln to Stratford on Avon, and from Stratford on Avon to Bath.

They arrived soaked to the skin from the rain on Sunday and having experienced a few mechanical problems along the way.

They raised £20,000 for Cancer Research and the lesser-known illness of Dystonia as well as for Yorkshire Cancer Research and Rowcroft Hospice in Torquay.

The group are all close friends of Lee Rycraft, from Trowbridge, whose mother Karen has twice battled a rare form of tonsil/throat cancer in the last four years.

During the same period, Karen has also battled Dystonia, an incurable and disabling neurological disorder affecting 70,000 UK people.

Kelly Baldy, whose husband Kris took part, said: “Karen has been an inspiration. Not only has she battled illness, but she has spent time with the healthcare professionals in an effort to enhance awareness and further research into both these debilitating illnesses.”

“Karen is now thankfully cancer-free once again, having undergone a major operation in September 2017, but as a result is no longer able to eat or drink and is unable to talk as she once could.

“Despite all of the above and with the support of Pete, her husband, she continues to smile.