THERE was mud, sweat and tears out on Dartmoor earlier this month as 1,175 St Luke’s supporters climbed into the saddle for this year’s Tour de Moor cycling challenge.

Raising an estimated £90,000 the annual event saw participants take the 11km, 30km or 52km routes from Harrowbeer Airfield in Yelverton, with some of the weekend wheelers mounting the punishing ‘Widow Maker Hill’ twice to raise funds for the hard-working local charity.

Sarah Woock and Annie Woock, age 9, from Crapstone took on the 11km route. First timer at the event Sarah said: ‘We have raised £80 and are doing it in memory of my auntie Jo, who died of stomach cancer four years ago. She was cared for by the lovely doctors and nurses at St Luke’s. They were all fantastic and I have great praise for them all.’

Among the entrants were many teams including property agents MansbridgeBalment, who raised £1,154 so far.

Emma Winter, senior events fundraiser for St Luke’s Hospice, said: ‘Once again an amazing turnout to support St Luke’s. I would like to thank all the staff and the 60 volunteers who made today possible and, of course, the amazing cyclists who got muddy on their bikes on a cold misty Sunday morning to raise money and make a difference. I would also like to recognise the kindness of the Maristow Estate in, again, providing the airfield for their use at no cost.’

Anyone raising more than £150 in sponsorship, who sends their money before December 11, will be entered into a prize draw to win a brand-new bike, donated by the Bike Cellar bike shop.