A DETERMINED group of employees and friends of a landscaping business in Bournemouth have completed a gruelling 140-mile charity cycle ride.

Edens Landscapes took on the mighty challenge of cycling from Edens’ headquarters in West Parley to Big Ben in Westminster, raising more than £10,000 for Dorset Mind - one of the charity’s largest grossing fundraisers to date.

The group were riding in memory of two former colleagues, who they sadly lost earlier this year - Pete Edmunds in March and Jon Burt in mid-July.

Director of Edens Landscapes Kevin Martin said: “We are so very proud of the way everyone at Edens has pulled together to put in time training, supporting, and undertaking this incredible challenge in what has been a very difficult time.

“We'd like to thank the fantastic generosity of everyone who has donated to this fundraiser in Peter and Jon’s name.

“They are sorely missed by our team.”

Nine members of the team took part in the challenge and were joined by Daniel, Peter Edmund's brother and two support drivers.

Edens Landscapes are aware of the detrimental impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on mental health.

Earlier this year they approached Dorset Mind about becoming a charity partner in order to raise awareness, inspire people to talk more – and to not be afraid to reach out for help if they need it.

This was Edens Landscapes’ first fundraiser for the charity. The total currently stands at £10,126, with a considerable amount of this being donated via text.

But the team hasn’t stopped there. Deputy Maintenance Manager, Dan Irish, will run the Bournemouth Half Marathon this coming weekend on Sunday October 10, which also coincides with World Mental Health Day.

CEO of Dorset Mind Marianne Storey said: “What a phenomenal effort we’ve seen from the Edens Landscapes team. Cycling over 140 miles is a considerable distance and we were delighted to see the team encourage each other along the way, spurred on by raising donations.

“Physical exercise has the additional benefit of encouraging positive wellbeing and we hope the team is proud of themselves for achieving this in memory of their colleagues. It’s a touching tribute.

“The incredible amount they’ve fundraised could enable us to deliver essential programmes of education and wellbeing for two schools, making a life-changing difference to approximately 5,000 students, teachers and parents in Dorset; or two weekly adult wellbeing support groups for a year, that supports local people with debilitating common mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, or depression.

“We’re incredibly grateful for this support and congratulate the team, the directors – and their support crew.”

If you’d like to show support for Edens Landscapes’ remarkable achievement, there’s still time to donate to Dorset Mind by clicking here.