Coast to coast ride raises charity cash.

AGRUELLING 150 mile coast to coast cycle ride organised by property agent GVA Grimley's Newcastle office has raised pounds 10,000 for Cancer Research UK.

The three day event in May was completed despite biting high winds gusting up to 50 mph and unseasonal low temperatures throughout the ride.

Twenty six cyclists, including GVA Grimley staff and clients from the north of England and Scotland set off from Whitehaven to Tynemouth on what many of the more practised cyclists described as the hardest C2C they had ever experienced.

They cycled into relentless head winds as they climbed over the Northern Pennines , the roof of England, tackling climbs at Hartside and Black Hill which took them 609 metres above sea level.

The cycle ride was sponsored by Cobalt Business Park, The Journal nebusiness, Ravensworth Print, Lloyds Banking Group and Caddick Developments.

Tom Bailey of GVA Grimley's Newcastle office organised the C2C, and created rigorous training regimes to try to prepare usually desk-bound colleagues for the tough challenge ahead.

He said: "Morale remained high throughout the weekend despite consistent rain, wind and cold, although talk of lynching the organiser only subsided on the third day.

"We are all delighted to have raised a fantastic total of nearly pounds 10,000 for Cancer Research. It was a great combined effort, bringing together surveyors, planners and property professionals to cycle 150 miles for charity.

"Many thanks to our sponsors for their support and to everyone who has donated to Cancer Research as a result.

It's great to get such a positive result - we may well repeat the C2C next year." .. If you would like to donate, go to www.justgiving.co.uk/gvac2c2009

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PEDAL POWER Staff from GVA Grimley in Newcastle who raised pounds 10,000 for charity on their marathon bike ride.