A COAST to coast charity horse ride by members of the Lamerton Foxhounds, including Lifton farmer Michael Bickell, has raised in excess of £2,500.
The hundred-mile journey from the Bristol Channel at Lynton to the English Channel at Plymouth was to boost the BBC Radio Devon Chestnut Appeal for prostate cancer and the Rowans Rehabilitation Unit at Derriford Hospital.
Michael, who has done numerous charity rides in the last ten years with his horses Bell and Murphy, raised more than £13,000 in 2002 when he travelled from John O?Groats to Land?s End.
Eight riders did the whole coast-to-coast challenge, which started on Friday week and ended on the Sunday, while up to 20 joined them at different parts of the route, including Plymouth.
?It was a real sight with all the horses riding through Plymouth City Centre, the Barbican and the Hoe ? it was the first time for a great many years that horses had been into the city centre,? said Michael.
The group were supported by well wishers along the way and pit stops included Eggesford and Tavistock.
Michael expressed thanks to the Blacksmith?s Arms in Lamerton, the Ordulph Arms in Tavistock and Jenny Lopez from Bickham House for their hospitality.
?I pass on my sincere thanks to all the hosts and the pilots who showed us the way,? he said. ?Both the riders and horses really enjoyed themselves.?