SHOULD you happen to have been awake during early hours of Sunday morning, July 3, you may have heard the whisper of bike tyres as 27 cyclists came through Launceston and stopped at the town’s Ambulance Hall, Westgate Street for a refreshment break.

The hall trustees had agreed to welcome the riders on their charity cycle ride from Burbage in Leicestershire to Watergate Bay, Newquay.

The cyclists’ aim was to complete the 300-mile ride in as close to 24 hours as possible, stopping only for refreshments. Taking out the time for breaks, the riders were actually peddling for 21 hours!

Leicestershire charity ‘Keep the Beat’ is raising money for children born with heart defects.

The charity was founded by riders Adam and Annita Tansey in memory of Harvey, riders Bryan and Karen Lear’s beautiful little boy who was tragically lost to them in 2011, aged only seven.

Adam and Annita’s young son, Albert, was born with only half a heart and he had a transplant when he was two years old. He is now a fit and healthy seven-year-old.

The aim is to raise money for equipment for children with congenital heart defects and to assist the families of these children.

The cyclists’ support team, who prepared and provided all the food, drinks and even massage for the riders, were met by Launceston’s Mayor, Cllr Brian Hogan, hall manager Tony Taplin and his wife, Gill.

Brian stayed and welcomed the cyclists when they arrived at the hall and spent time chatting with them, before they embarked on the final leg of their journey on to Watergate Bay.

They arrived there at 11.40am and were greeted by the mayor of Newquay, Cllr Carl Leadbetter.

Mrs Taplin said: “This momentous ride has raised £46,395.48. We wish them all the best with their future fundraising.”