Intrepid cyclists from across the North East pedalled their way from Edinburgh to Sunderland raising more than £23,000 for heart charity Red Sky Foundation.

Organised by the charity’s founder Sergio Petrucci, the ride followed the popular Coast and Castles route, but ended at Roker in Sunderland rather than Newcastle.

The riders were supported by a dedicated team of drivers, first aiders and a film crew making a short film of the ride.

The 160-mile route took three days, leaving the Roker Hotel on Friday, June 24 at 6.30am to be driven up to Musselburgh, on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

There they were cheered on their way by a chorus of applause and bagpipes. Three support vans tracked and supported the riders, providing snacks and drinks when needed.

The team cycled from Musselburgh to Berwick on day one, from Berwick to Amble on the second day and to home in Sunderland from Amble on Sunday (June 26).

Mr Petrucci said: “We arrived to a massive Roker roar from members of the public, family and friends who had lined Marine Walk and for the last mile or so we were escorted by two electric vehicles from Mercedes Benz of Sunderland, one of our sponsors.

“There was a real spirit of togetherness between the riders and although it was tough cycling, we enjoyed each other’s company as well as the views of the castles and stunning coastline.

“I’d like to thank all of the riders, our brilliant support team, our corporate partners and generous sponsors for making the ride such a fantastic success.”

The total raised currently stands at £23,025, but people can still donate by going redskyfoundation.enthuse.com/donate#!/

Rob Lawson, one of the riders, added: “The scenery was stunning and the ride was well organised. It was tough going in places, but the camaraderie among the group kept you going – as did the knowledge that we were raising money for a very worthwhile cause.”

The money raised will be used to install more equipment to go into the cardiac wards in hospitals across the North East, including support for the children’s heart unit at the Freeman and Sunderland’s neonatal ward.

"And we will be pushing on with our public access defibrillator project," added Mr Petrucci.

“We’ll also be continuing to educate children and adults how to do CPR while supporting people of all ages needing care for serious heart conditions in the North East.”

For more information on the Red Sky Foundation, go to www.redskyfoundation.com