Eight police officers notched their fundraising up a gear after smashing their £5,000 target by completing a gruelling trek for charity around the Scottish highlands. 

The team completed the 530-mile ride around the north coast of Scotland in five days, raising money for Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford’s chosen charity for the year — the John Eastwood Hospice, Sutton.

One of the riders, DS Dave Prest, lost his father-in-law, Dylan Howells, 71, to cancer just before Christmas following a five-year battle with the disease and the hospice provided palliative care during the last three weeks of his life.

“He had been fighting it for years and had lots of operations, but eventually it got too much for him to fight,” said DS Prest.

“He had lived alone and my wife, Ceri, did everything to help him as well as a close family friend, but there’s only so much you can do.

“The hospice was so professional and just got everything spot on. The fact we were doing the ride for the hospice inspired us. I was never going to stop — there was no chance those legs were stopping.”

The team was Matt Scott, Matt Fagan, Gav Peace, Chris Grundy, Col Jones, Dave Prest, Matt Dumbrell and John Wilson. 

They completed the route, known as the NC500, by starting in Inverness and following a clockwise path calling in at Applecross, Ullapool, Durness, John O’Groats and the UK’s longest climb — the Beanach na Ba.

The challenge had originally been planned to take place last year but was postponed due to Covid restrictions. 

The group cleared their initial target of £5,000, raising more than £5,400 for the hospice, with money continuing to pour in. It will help support the running of the hospice, and will fund privacy screens for patients in their care. 

They completed the route, known as the NC500, starting in Inverness and following a clockwise path calling in at Applecross, Ullapool, Durness, John O’Groats and the UK’s longest climb — the Beanach na Ba.

DS Matt Scott, who organised the event, said: “This ride was tougher than expected, with strong winds and heavy rain adding to the challenge. 

“Looking back now, these factors only make the achievement greater, with some breathtaking scenery and plenty of stops to admire the view. 

“I’m so proud of the team and would like to say thank you to the people who have already donated very generously and helped us surpass the £5,000 target.”

Chief Constable Guildford added: “This is a great effort by all eight officers and I know it will be hugely appreciated by the hospice. This money will make a real difference for patients, which is ultimately what we all want.

“I want to personally thank all the team for their efforts and the efforts made by all my staff over the years supporting the Chief’s charity.” 

Tracey Joyce, deputy trust manager at the hospice, said: “We are overwhelmed and delighted by this incredible gesture from Nottinghamshire Police.

“This was an amazing cycling challenge and we are so grateful to the riders and everyone who has supported them. 

“The fundraising will go towards providing privacy screens for patients in the hospice. Thank you so much.”