A total of 178 punctures were recorded as 100 cyclists pedalled their way from Sittingbourne to Paris.

The first was suffered within four minutes of the team setting off from Demelza Hospice Care for Children at 8.30am last Wednesday.

But every single rider completed the 270-mile journey to France’s capital to raise funds for the children’s charity.

The riders cycled about 70 miles a day, finishing under the Eiffel Tower on Saturday at 2.45pm.

Participants included family members who use the facility in Rook Lane, Bobbing, as well as staff, keen cyclists and corporate supporters. They ranged from those who are used to riding long distances to those who hadn’t got on a bike for years before starting training.

Over the past 12 months, they have been holding sponsored events, including cake sales and quiz and curry nights.

So far, the event has raised more than £130,000. That’s enough to pay for two nurses and one care assistant for a year, a day’s care at both the charity’s town and Eltham sites, and a day’s care in East Sussex.

Allen Myers from Sittingbourne said: “I was aware of Demelza and the work it did, and had helped my daughter in a small way with her fundraising at Highsted Girls’ Grammar School.

“Having been to the hospice and met staff, I feel a real connection to it now. I have made new friends, raised funds and had the ride of my life.”

Scott Peters from Sheerness said: “I have made some lifelong friends and feel privileged to be part of the Demelza fundraising family.”

Community events coordinator Emma Austen said: “Our team of riders were a real mix of ages and abilities. To see their enthusiasm for the ride and all their hard work in fundraising and training over the past few months has been so touching.”

Make a donation at www.justgiving.com/Demelza101-S2P