THE Easter bingo held at The Arundell Arms, Lifton, on Friday (March 18) was a huge success with more than 100 draw prizes and raised £1,646.92 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).

The event was in support of eight middle aged men in lyrcra taking on a challenge to cycle John O’Groats to Lands End in September.

They plan to raise as much money and awareness as possible for Motor Neurone Disease on behalf of their friend, Jeremy Durrant, who has been battling this incurable disease for around three years.

The Lifton Bikers said Jeremy’s courage and determination is the inspiration behind the cycle ride.

They are taking two weeks off work work for the 1,000 mile bike ride, which is completely self-funded, so all the money raised goes to MNDA.

A spokesman said: “While the training is tough at the moment, with the rain, wind and occasional hail, it is a truly fantastic opportunity for all involved.”

They have set themselves a fund raising target of £10,000 but intend to smash that with everyone’s support.

The spokesman added: “Some say the bike ride itself is a life changing experience, we are sure with everyone’s support and a bit of sponsorship we can make it a life changing experience for others that have been dealt one of the cruellest of illnesses.”

The bingo, organised by Heidi Baber, saw prizes of Easter eggs, donated by Tesco, and chickens, donated by Lifton Farm Shop.

A 5kg Easter egg was won by Jon Yeo of Lifton, which he auctioned off on the night, raising another £135.

During the evening, the cyclists, dressed in suit jackets and cycling shorts, acted as waiters, to ensure glasses were topped up — for a donation, of course!

Thanks were expressed to D&E Plant Hire for the donation of the huge Easter egg.

The room was kindly donated by the Arundell Arms.

Thanks were also given to everyone who donated raffle prizes, to helpers and to everyone who supported the event.

The eight Lifton Bikers are Mike Wood, Martin Vanstone, Paul Davies, Malcolm Bird, Luke Harris, Alastair Batten, Paul Arscott, Adam Pengelly. Support driver for the 1,000 miles is Nick Horler.

If anyone would like to donate to the challenge, please visit the group’s Just Giving page, which can be found at www.justgiving.com/LiftonBikers/

Alternatively sponsorship forms are available locally, as are collecting buckets.