Four managers from Colchester-based builders’ merchant chain Kent Blaxill have presented £2,000 to a local charity following a cycle ride in the Alps.

The sum was presented to the Rob George Foundation, set up in memory of talented Colchester cricketer Robert George who died of leukaemia aged 21 in 2013 and whose father, Phillip George, is chairman of Kent Blaxill.

The Rob George Foundation supports young people with life threatening or terminal illnesses.

A further £1,750 raised by the Kent Blaxill team has been presented to Challenge Adventure Charities which organised the Alpine ride.

The team comprised Simon Blaxill, James Park, Kevin Pryke and Julian Wood who were among 30 teams that took part in the three-day relay event in September last year.

The ride featured climbs including the 21km Chamrousse and the famous 14km Alp d’Huez, which provided the finish for the penultimate day of last year’s Tour de France.

“It was a gruelling event but a great experience, and particularly satisfying to be raising money for good causes at the same time,” said Simon Blaxill. “Our sponsors included local companies SVC and Birkett Long.”