CHRIS Goodwin, founding partner and Mike Hackett, managing director of Principles Agency have successfully cycled 350km around Cuba and raised £11,500 for Yorkshire Cancer Centre.

Chris and Mike were part of a group of 14 volunteers from around Yorkshire who withstood a nine-day cycling Cuban expedition in an oppressive 80 degree heat with extreme humidity. In November, they started their journey in the Bay of Pigs, cycled through many colourful villages and endured a 10km hill climb on the last day, followed by a 76km ride into Havana.

Mike Hackett has since been invited to join the Yorkshire Cancer Centre's Ball Fundraising Committee and is keen to keep the momentum going. He said: "During the months leading up to the challenge, we endured a strict fitness regime which was quite tough for me personally as I hadn't graced a saddle since being a child. Trying to fit fundraising around a busy work schedule certainly kept us busy but it was a very rewarding experience. We organised a Cuban night, a number of bag packing sessions at Morrisons and car boot sales as well as many other fundraising activities that helped us to exceed our £10,000 target."

Chris Goodwin added: "We would like to thank everyone who supported our fundraising efforts including all those who dug deep into their pockets to help the cause. We were motivated by people's generosity. The sense of achievement gained from completing the expedition whilst raising thousands of pounds, will stay with us for a long time."

Based at St James's hospital in Leeds, Yorkshire Cancer Centre will be using the much-needed funds to boost the region's facility in the fight against cancer. They will go towards the Centre's £10million target that aims to buy the latest generation of medical equipment, home comforts for patients and clinical research that will lead to new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. Information about the Yorkshire Cancer Centre Appeal can be found at www.yorkshirecancercentre.org.uk .

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