An Oakland International charity team made up of family and friends have broken their fundraising target reaching nearly £8,000 and as a whole group the ride so far has raised over £39,000 with donations still coming in, after a gruelling three-day, 180-mile bike ride from Exeter to Shrewley and all in aide of children’s charity Molly Olly’s.

Molly Ollys supports children with life-threatening illnesses and their families helping with their emotional wellbeing. They fulfil wishes by providing gifts to individual children, donating their therapeutic toy ‘Olly The Brave’ and his story books, donate and support bespoke projects such as funding a Paediatric Palliative Care Consultant, and by furnishing the Magnolia House palliative care facility, at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and so much more.

Molly Olly’s Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “Molly Ollys are extremely grateful to all the riders who took part and helped to make the event such a success on many levels, especially in helping to make a difference to the children that need our support.”

Della, age 5, was diagnosed with a Craniopharyngioma. This rare type of brain tumour occurs most commonly in children, but also affects adults. Della and her family have had many trips to A&E, numerous hospital visits and undergone 4 brain surgeries. They are still waiting on the 20-hour surgery needed to remove the tumour. Molly Ollys helped the family at this awfully tough time by providing an Olly the Brave, and Olly the Brave books, for Della and then arranged for Della and her family to go out for an all-expenses paid meal.

Della’s Mum said “We wanted to say thank you so much for our restaurant visit. We went to Nando’s. It was such a treat. It was lovely for us all to be together and nice to not have to think about cooking!”

Fundraising allows Molly Ollys to help families like Della’s.

Charity cyclist and Molly Ollys ambassador Samuel Attwell said: “Just like last year we thoroughly enjoyed supporting an important cause. We didn’t think the scenery could get much better than last year but it sure did surprise us.

“There was the aspect of teamwork throughout the entirety of the ride that kept everyone smiling and motivated. The charity and trustees alike were extremely pleased with the money raised knowing what a difference it will make.

“A message for anyone thinking of doing it next year. It’s an experience you shouldn’t miss. The bonds formed and experiences you gain are priceless and you are doing your bit for others and creating long lasting memories. Thank you to everyone who has donated and if you are a business owner/leader looking for a great value-for-money team building/bonding event, look no further!”

Oakland International COO Lee Whiting said: “On several occasions during the trip we were reminded of just why we were doing the ride and of the families being helped, which included some members of the cyclists participating in the event who have been through challenges and were supported by Molly Olly’s.”

A leading D2C/B2C/B2B specialist Oakland International provides contract packing, storage, picking, food distribution and brand development support covering ambient, chilled, and frozen food, and services retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets in the UK and Ireland. They are also BRCGS AA accredited and have taken the first step to becoming B Corp certified alongside working towards becoming the first business within their sector to achieve net-zero.