A team of intrepid Suffolk cyclists who battled wind, rain and steep ascents to complete a 324-mile cycle challenge from London to Paris have another reason to celebrate – after reaching their £100,000 target in aid of a good cause.

The 51-strong Hospice Team 100, which was supporting St Elizabeth Hospice, spent an estimated 24 hours in the saddle during the four-day journey and climbed 10,499ft – three time the height of Mount Snowdon.

Bosses at the Ipswich-based hospice last night praised the fundraising efforts of the group.

Mark Millar, chief executive of the hospice, said: “Our Hospice Team 100 are an amazing group of people and we cannot thank them enough for what they have done for the hospice.

“Taking on the challenge of cycling 300 miles is enough of a feat but to raise the amount they have is absolutely amazing.

“They were all so resolute that we would reach their target of £100,000, I never had any doubt that they would – but we didn’t expect them to raise it so quickly.”

The team completed the challenge last month and initially raised £82,000, with more donations coming in over the following weeks. Each cyclist was initially set the target of raising £1,850, which would fund two hospice nurses for two months.

And despite far exceeding their target, members of the Hospice Team 100 are still planning other ways of supporting the hospice.

Mr Millar added: “All 51 of them have formed such a close bond as a group which is lovely to see and they’re not stopping here with their fundraising either.

“They’ve got a Christmas fancy dress cycle ride planned, as well as a quiz night, all in aid of the hospice.

“They have truly gone above and beyond to help the hospice and I want to thank every fantastic individual that took part. Every penny they have raised and been sponsored for really will make a difference to the lives of our patients and their loved ones.”

The hospice provides care and support services to more than 2,000 patients with a progressive illness every year. It costs millions of pounds to run and relies on support from the community, including fundraising events like the cycle ride.

In terms of what the £100,000 could fund, it would be enough to pay for the hospice’s 24-hour OneCall phone line for about 10 months, which provides support to patients, families and health care professionals.

If you would like to donate to the Hospice Team 100 or support their next event, visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/hospiceteam100