A TEAM of legen-dairy cheese marketers from Crewe took on a 170-mile cycle challenge in memory of a former colleague who died.

The 13-strong team from Fayrefield Foods, led by Nick Hilton, managing director, cycled the Cheshire Cycle 70 Route to raise funds for the MRI Scanner Appeal.

The team rode under the ‘Collier’s Powerful Welsh Cheddar’ brand, and was joined by former England cricketer and brand ambassador Darren Gough.

The group set off from the company's head office in Crewe, taking a circular route through much of the Cheshire countryside including Weston, Hough, Wynbury, Audlem, Malpas, Chester, Ellesmere Port, Alderley Edge, Knutsford, Macclesfield, Congleton and Alsager, before finishing at their head office.

Mr Hilton said: "This was a very tough challenge. Many of us had never cycled this distance before, so we are thrilled to have completed the ride.

“The MRI Scanner Appeal is a very worthy local cause and we wanted to help in any way that we could.

“We are completely overwhelmed that we have managed to surpass our target of £30,000.

“Thank you to everyone who has donated and supported us along the way."

The team were aiming to raise £30,000 for Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity's MRI Scanner Appeal.

Since completing their challenge donations have rolled in and so far the team has hit their target, raised more than £32,000.

Laura Riddle, charity manager Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity, said: "I would like to say a massive thank you to all those involved in the bike ride.

“The challenge in itself was a hard task – cycling 170 miles is a mammoth achievement.

“To then raise such a staggering amount of money on top of the ride is incredible.

“I cannot thank the team enough for choosing to support our MRI Scanner Appeal, and to all those who have donated.

“This money will go a long way towards our £1million target.”