A group of hardy (read foolhardy) horticulturists have completed an epic 6-day cycle from the foot of Snowdon in North Wales to Land’s End in Cornwall raising over £30,000 to date for Perennial, the charity supporting all those who work in the horticulture industry.

The two teams of riders, some on road bikes and some on mountain bikes, climbed the equivalent of Mt. Everest (riding 759km) and Mt. Kilimanjaro (riding 530km) respectively over the course of the week.

The challenge was masterminded by Brian Herbert, MD of Outdoor Options in Surrey, Matt O’Connor, MD of John O’Connor Grounds Maintenance in Hertfordshire, Darren Skidmore, MD of Skidmores in Hertfordshire and Richard Gardiner, MD of NAG Solutions in Surrey. They were supported by a brilliant group of professional riders from Pie Events, based in Surrey.

Brian Herbert can’t thank the teams and support staff enough for what was a truly memorable week. He says: “I’m still reflecting on what was undoubtedly one of the best weeks of my life and taking everything in. It was a whirlwind of a week and I only wish I had had the energy (and time) to keep a daily diary.

“From the brilliant organisation that went into this challenge from pie events and the sponsors and supporters that have made it all possible, to the incredible team spirit and camaraderie of the whole squad and their families, clients and employers for giving them the time off, I am honoured to call myself a ‘Three Peaker’ and am already working on ideas for the next HortAid fundraiser!”

Kate O’Shea, Development Manager at Perennial, says: “The Snowdon to Lands End challenge represents what is possible when our industry leaders come together to support colleagues who need the help of Perennial when times get tough.

“The team was determined to beat their 2013 fundraising total (£26,000 for the Three Peaks Extreme Challenge) and it’s fair to say they’ve smashed it! It was a gruelling week of cycling – both physically and mentally – taking in some breath-taking scenery from North Wales to the edge of Cornwall and we know it was not undertaken lightly by any member of the team.

“I would like to thank each and every rider, their supporters, the event sponsors and the team from pie events on behalf of everyone at Perennial, and all those we help each year with support, advice and financial assistance.

“The money raised through this challenge – just as with any of our many incredible fundraising activities – will change lives for the better and it is an inspiration to us all to keep going and to achieve more.”

The event was fully supported from start to finish by top professional guides from Passion In Events (PIE). Support vehicles were provided by Oakview Landscapes, Skidmores of Herts and Thurlow Nunn Vauxhall (Luton) and the challenge was sponsored by Bowles & Wyer, London Stone, Silverland Stone and Garden Link.

Perennial provides free and confidential advice and financial assistance for as long as it is required, made possible by the generosity and support of the UK horticulture industry and the garden loving public.