The Tour de Moor cycle challenge on Sunday raised thousands of pounds for St Lukes Hospice.

The charity which is based in Plymouth provides care at home for people in Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Ivybridge and South Brent as well as running two shops in Modbury and Ivybridge.

More than 1,400 people took part which is more than the total in 2019.

The Tour saw cyclists take on their choice of an adrenalin-packed, hill-filled, 52km mixed terrain route; a tough 30km ride over hills and through woods, or a more gentle 11km ride along the tarmac paths of Drake’s Trail.

It caters for every level of cycling ability and the money it raises means the highly skilled St Luke’s team can be there for more families, providing expert medical care as well as vital emotional, practical and spiritual support.

Among the cyclists taking on the mud, sweat and gears of this year’s Tour de Moor were those doing so in memory of their lost loved ones.

945 people completed the demanding 52km route, in which cyclists tackled the notorious Widowmaker hill twice.

The Tour de Moor was a family affair for Ian, from Plympton, taking part in the 30km challenge with son Oliver, aged 9.

The duo was doing the event in memory of Ian’s aunt, Gill, who died of cancer last year. She was looked after by St Luke’s at home before she passed away.

Ian said: "As a former Wren, my auntie had that military spirit and was very bubbly and outgoing. It comforts me that she was able to accomplish the things on her bucket list before she died, and also that she received the very best of care from St Luke’s.

"Oliver remembers her fondly too, so doing Tour de Moor together is very special. He can’t wait to take on the extra tough 52km in a few years’ time! It’s good to know that the money we raise will help more local families affected by cancer and other terminal illnesses. I can’t speak highly enough of St Luke’s and the important work they do."

St Luke’s Events Lead Georgina Mayhew said: "What an amazing day! Tour de Moor is always a fantastic event but this year felt all the more special as we welcomed cyclists back after last year’s cancellation due to COVID safety measures.

"Our charity relies on the kindness of our community to help us continue looking after local people so they can live well to the end of their lives. Our cyclists did us proud and we are very grateful to them for getting on their bikes for us. Thanks to them, we can be there for more people who need us, ensuring they get the best possible care and support at the end of their lives.

"We’re already excited to be planning Tour de Moor 2022 because it is set to be one of the highlights of St Luke’s 40th anniversary year!"