BCA and Action for A-T confirmed that the 2018 BCA Cycle Challenge raised a grand total of £100,065 to fund research into Ataxia Telangiectasia, a rare, genetic degenerative childhood disease.

BCA’s chief commercial officer Craig Purvey handed over a cheque to Sean Kelly, chief executive, Action for A-T at BCA Blackbushe (pictured). 

Purvey said: “Everyone who participated would like to thank all the sponsors and supporters who helped to make the 2018 BCA Cycle Challenge possible. 

"Thanks to the many donations and sponsorships received we are delighted to announce that we have broken through the £100,000 barrier this year, having raised £93,000 in 2017.  

"We know this money will be put to very good use helping to identify a cure for this debilitating childhood disease.”

Both had completed the 2018 BCA Cycle Challenge – a 245-mile, three-day ride from BCA’s head office in Bedford to the Royal Palace in Amsterdam.

The event featured cyclists from BCA and the wider motor industry who were joined by broadcaster and journalist and well-known cycling enthusiast Naga Munchetty, who tweeted the progress of the event to her 105,000 followers on Twitter. 

The team left BCA Bedford on the morning of September 20, arriving at the Royal Palace, Amsterdam two days later.

Kelly said: “We would like to thank BCA, their customers and all the sponsors for supporting Action for A-T and the families who look to us for hope for the second year running. 

"We have raised a significant sum this year in support of Action for A-T and those funds will be put to very good use in supporting research into identifying a cure for this devastating childhood condition."