Staff at a Redditch business have raised more than £80,000 for a charity supporting children with life-threatening illnesses. 

Cycling through wind, rain and sunshine at times, Oakland International's 'Oakland and friends' team battled to complete a gruelling 200-mile cycling challenge from Brighton to Warwick. 

The team managed to raise almost £30,000 and, as a whole group of 50 cyclists, they raised more than £81,000 for Molly Ollys. 

Over the course of three days, the cyclists suffered injuries, blisters, punctures and more as they tested their endurance with each stage providing a new cycling challenge. 

It was a gruelling challenge It was a gruelling challenge (Image: Oakland International)

Team member and Molly Ollys ambassador Samuel Attwell said: "On behalf of us all we want to thank everyone for supporting us and the whole Molly Ollys 2024 cycling team as your donations will make such a huge difference to so many children living with a life-threatening illness. 

“This money will now help grant 125 wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses. Thank you." 

Molly Ollys supports children with life-threatening illnesses and helps families with their emotional well-being.

They fulfil wishes by providing gifts to individual children, donating their therapeutic toy 'Olly The Brave' and his story books, donating and supporting bespoke projects such as funding a Paediatric Palliative Care Consultant and furnishing the Magnolia House palliative care facility at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. 

The team raised a huge amount of money for the charity The team raised a huge amount of money for the charity (Image: Oakland International)

Rachel Ollerenshaw from Molly Ollys said: "This year’s ride was certainly a challenge, but all the cyclists dug deep through difficult conditions because they wanted to make a difference.

"We had talked on Thursday night about the children we help and shared individual stories, this certainly helped to spur them on, knowing what these children go through on a day-to-day basis when undergoing treatment.

"A massive thanks to all the 'Oakland and friends' team who contributed in so many ways and to all their supporters. A phenomenal achievement." 

Oakland International Group CEO Shaun Foley added: "Every member of the Team wants to express their sincere gratitude for everyone’s support."