A determined group of staff and friends have raised more than £10,000 for mental health charity Dorset Mind after cycling 140 miles from West Parley to Big Ben in London.

The cyclists, from Edens Landscapes, were riding in memory of two former colleagues who died earlier this year: Pete Edmunds in March and Jon Burt in July.

Nine members of the team took part in the challenge – Kevin, Paul, Lewis, Pete, Alex T, Alex W, Chris and Eddie.

They were joined by Pete Edmunds’ brother, Daniel, and two support drivers, Jon and James.

Aware of the detrimental impact the last 18 months has had on mental health, Eden Landscapes approached Dorset Mind earlier this year about becoming a charity partner.

The aims included raising awareness and inspiring people to talk more and not be afraid to reach out for help if they needed it.

The bike ride was Edens Landscapes’ first fundraiser for Dorset Mind and has become one of the charity’s largest grossing fundraisers to date.

The total raised currently stands at more than £10,100 with a large amount donated via text.

The fundraising continued at the weekend when Dan Irish, Deputy Maintenance Manager, ran in the Bournemouth Half Marathon which coincided with World Mental Health Day.

Marianne Storey, CEO, Dorset Mind, pictured left, said: “What a phenomenal effort we’ve seen from the Edens Landscapes team.

“Cycling over 140 miles is a considerable distance and we were delighted to see the team encourage each other along the way, spurred on by raising donations.

“Physical exercise has the additional benefit of encouraging positive wellbeing and we hope the team is proud of themselves for achieving this in memory of their colleagues.

“It’s a touching tribute.

“The incredible amount they’ve fundraised could enable us to deliver essential programmes of education and wellbeing for two schools, making a life-changing difference to approximately 5,000 students, teachers and parents in Dorset.

“Or it could deliver two weekly adult wellbeing support groups for a year, that supports local people with debilitating common mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, or depression.

“We’re incredibly grateful for this support and congratulate the team, the directors – and their support crew.”

Kevin Martin, Director of Edens Landscapes, said: “We are so very proud of the way everyone at Edens has pulled together to put in time training, supporting, and undertaking this incredible challenge in what has been a very difficult time.

“We’d like to thank the fantastic generosity of everyone who has donated to this fundraiser in Peter and Jon’s name.

“They are sorely missed by our team.”

If you’d like to show support for Edens Landscapes’ remarkable achievement, there’s still time to donate to Dorset Mind by clicking on this link.

Or you can text the word EDENS to 70460 followed by the amount (up to £20):

• To donate £5, text EDENS 5
• To donate £10, text EDENS 10
• To donate £20, text EDENS 20.

Full full terms and conditions on Dorset Mind’s website at dorsetmind.uk