By Saul Cooke-Black

A HEROES reception was given for Team Jogle as they passed through Nailsworth on the way to completing a mammoth cycle ride from John O' Groats to Land's End.

The ride was organised by Phil Carter, son of Paul, a popular Nailsworth district councillor who passed away in November last year with cancer.

A team of five, including Paul's two sons Phil and Mark, cycled over 1,000 miles and swam across a lake in the Lake District in a bid to raise money for Longfield Hospice, Minchinhampton, and the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court hospice who helped look after Paul before he died.

Phil Carter said: "We got a really good reception in Nailsworth with Neil Carmichael coming along to support us. It made a big difference and spurred us on for the last part of the challenge.

"It was a brilliant ride, the sun shone and the scenery was incredible.

"In Scotland the weather was windy and wet which made it very difficult but we pulled through."

They arrived at the Whitminster Inn on Friday May 22 before setting off for the next leg of their journey to Taunton the following morning.

The team are still adding up the cash but believe they have raised around £8,000, even more than their £5,000 target.

Gareth Whatmore, who took part in the challenge, said: "It was a very rewarding experience to do the challenge in memory of Paul.

"We would like to thank everyone in the community for their support and generosity."

Donations can still be made by visiting www.justgiving.com/Phil-Carter4