Cheques for £4,000 have been presented to two charities by a group of friends known as the Biking Turtles.

Demelza Hospice Care for Children in Bobbing near Sittingbourne and Preston Skreens respite centre in Sheppey were the chosen recipients of money raised on a sponsored John O’Groats to Land’s End bike ride.

The Biking Turtles are made up of Martin Lanning, 51, of Glenwood Drive Minster, Paul Cozens, 39, of Sanspareil Avenue, Minster, Martin Lynch, 40, of Upper Luton Road, Chatham, and Steve Fautley, 57, of Locarno Avenue, Gillingham, who was the three cyclists’ support driver.

The mammoth charity event ended on May 22 this year and took 13 days to complete with daily mileages ranging from 52 up to 90.

“The ride was a great experience for all involved and a truly unforgettable fortnight,” said Mr Cozens.

“We saw some lovely parts of Britain which made the ride, dare I say, enjoyable.”

There were many highlights for the four men which included five days of glorious weather in Scotland and a bout of bad weather through the heart of England was soon forgotten when on the final day the men were given a fantastic reception by family and friends at Land’s End.

After collecting in all the donations and pledges, the group was given tours of the two children’s centres and presented cheques to Jane Jarmaine at Preston Skreens in Minster Road, Minster, and to Hayley Richardson at Demelza in Bobbing.

The Biking Turtles would like to thank everyone who helped and supported their venture as well as the many people who gave money.

They also thanked Checkmate Group, Dolphin, Trafalgar Hotel, Honours Furnishing, Medichem, Harris Begley, Whelan’s, Bed Head & Body and Pieri Interiors for their donations.