They could have made it as far as Heathrow Airport, Leeds, Cambridge or Windsor Castle – without leaving Walsall Manor Hospital!

Fundraisers took part in a 12-hour cycleathon for Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity and clocked up a combined 100 miles between them, raising just under £500 with their pedal power.

They took it in turns to jump in the saddle on two exercise bikes for 15 and 30-minute bursts or up to an hour to help raise money for a new playroom on the Children’s Ward at the hospital.

Thanks to donations so far, Well Wishers has been able to fund the makeover, costing around £23,000. The tired play space will be transformed into a bright and colourful feature, complete with new wall murals, wall art activities, equipment including role play areas and a wet play area. And fundraising continues to add toys and other features.

Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager, said: “It was wonderful to see support from so many members of staff and volunteers and managing more than 100 miles is a fantastic achievement.

“We had people taking part from finance – including our Charitable Funds Trustee Dan Mortiboys – Orthodontics, Paediatrics and Undergraduate Medical Education Team to name just a few areas. There was great engagement across our Trust and I’d also like to thank our new Fundraising Support Officer Kimberley Aplin for all the work she did in helping get the event off the ground and, last but not least, the team from Simply Gym, Walsall, for loaning us the bikes, including delivery.”

The fundraiser took place on Valentine’s Day and encouraged people to look after their heart health too.