The heroic cyclists could choose their route – over either 15, 30, 60 or 90 miles – through the leafy lanes of the South Downs. Despite the hilly terrain, gruelling weather conditions and numerous punctures it was a great day.

Also there were Emily Potter and her parents Robert and Pauline, representing our chosen 2010 charity Make-A-Wish. Emily has been battling a rare condition called Dense Deposit Disease Type 2 and has been on kidney dialysis for two years. Emily was on a donor list, but her family were told it would stand less chance of being rejected if the kidney came from a living donor. Her father stepped up and the transplant took place earlier this year. In March Make-A-Wish granted Emily her 'wish' – to swim with dolphins in Florida. And according to her parents she was “in her element and could not stop smiling”. Emily cheered on our intrepid bikers and was on hand to present them with their medals as they crossed the finish line.

David Creigh, one of the 60-mile riders, said: “The ride was certainly challenging, both physically and mentally. But seeing the difference a wish can make to a child's life made the effort worthwhile.”