A team of 46 cyclists have helped to raise £53,000 for the Magic Moments children’s charity, run by Spicerhaart estate agents, after riding the gruelling 56 miles from London to Brighton.

The group set off in glorious weather from Tower Bridge in London at the weekend, riding across the hilly South Downs and reaching Brighton Pier after hours of strenuous pedalling.

The record amount of money raised smashed last year’s total of £35,000 and will enable the charity to take 38 families whose children have life-limiting illnesses to Disneyland Paris in November.

Jonathan Martin, chairman of the charity, said he was “blown away” by the commitment of team members, who spent months training and gathering sponsorship.

Martin, who drove one of the support vehicles, said: “It was a very emotional moment when they set off from London and even more so when they all crossed the finishing line.

“I am in awe of their achievement and truly grateful.

“Our suppliers have been brilliant, too. Almost half of the total sum came from our suppliers and contacts who sponsored the cycling jerseys.”

Sue Morhall, who works at Spicerhaart’s head office, organised the event in association with outdoor experience company Maximum Adventure.

This was her second year taking part and she said: “It was brilliant! Everyone worked together as a team and cheered and clapped everyone else on. There was such a lot of team support.

“I have to say I have never been so glad to see Brighton Pier, though. It was such a sense of achievement.”

Sue, who went with the families to Disneyland last year, added: “I know what a difference the trip to Disney makes to their lives, so that really spurred me on.”

Magic Moments was set up in 1998 by Spicerhaart, the parent company of haart, Chewton Rose, Felicity J Lord, Darlows and Haybrook estate agencies, to support children from hospices across the UK. To date, it has raised more than £1m and this year aims to raise £100,000.

Its website is here

The riders prepare to start out from Tower Bridge