A group of determined managers from a builders supplies warehouse – including two men from Dartford - battled through the pain barrier to complete a cycling marathon and raise more than £20,000 for charity.

Fourteen branch and senior managers from Selco Builders Warehouse outlets took to their bikes for a gruelling 100 mile sponsored journey along the undulating Norfolk and Suffolk coastline to help raise funds for the company’s nominated charity, Macmillan Cancer Support.

The first riders home completed the course in an impressive six-and-a-half hours and, despite some participants having limited recent experience of cycling, the entire group finished inside nine hours.

Amongst the group were Mat Brice, 36, and Darrell Carter, 34, both from Dartford.

Mat, manager at Selco’s Catford branch, said: “It was a real honour to represent Selco and complete the cycling marathon.

“It wasn’t easy but we all stuck together and there was a real feeling of achievement amongst all of us when we had finished.

“It’s fantastic that we have raised so much money for Macmillan. It’s a charity which has touched many people at Selco - through either work, family or friends - and we were all proud to play a part in this latest fund-raising event.”

Ross Sandy, Charlton branch manager and leader of the challenge team, added: “It was absolutely fantastic. Some of us are more used to getting on bikes than others and some understandably found the going tough at times.

“There were members of the group who hadn’t been cycling for 20 years and yet still showed the character and determination to complete the challenge.

“Everyone has been so generous with their donations, including customers, staff, family and suppliers. Our target was to raise £15,000 but we’re actually going to top £20,000, which is incredible and made all the training and hard work worthwhile.”

Since 2012, Selco colleagues, employees and suppliers have raised a massive £100,000 for Macmillan and have this year pledged to raise an additional £50,000.

Other fundraising initiatives which have either already taken place this year or are still to come include charity golf days, sponsored runs, a nominated charity match at Selco-sponsored rugby Super League side London Broncos and participation in the national Macmillan Coffee Morning.

Donations for the cycle ride can still be made by visiting www.justgiving.com/selco-100-coastal-challenge.

Based on information supplied by Sean Wozencroft.