AT least £1,400 has been raised by members of Bewdley Rowing Club, who swapped their boats for bikes to cycle to Rhayader Dam and back in aid of the Millbrook Suite.

In a bumper week of donations, that sends the appeal total flying to £29,572, fast approaching the £30,000 mark.

Andy Ray, his daughter Laura, Neil Gledhill and Matt Collier set off from Bewdley on Saturday, April 25, for their mid-Wales destination, which they reached in less than five hours.

There, they were joined for a 20-mile ride around Rhayader Dam by Chris Kowalik, who had been driving the support vehicle.

The return journey to Bewdley was made the following day - a total of 150 miles. It was Mr Gledhill's idea to turn the annual cycle ride into a fundraising event for the Millbrook Appeal.

In June 2007, Mr Gledhill was diagnosed with non Hodgkin Lymphoma. He has been in remission for 15 months and continues to visit the Milbrook for regular consultations.

Neil said: “The bike ride and, particularly the hills, were very challenging. I didn't think we would make the distance so quickly. I am glad we did it.

“Thank you to everyone who sponsored us. News of our bike ride travelled fast. In Rhayader, we camped overnight at Wyeside camping, run by a former Kidderminster resident who waived the site fees.”

The group hopes the total will rise as they are still collecting pledges and money is still pouring in from generous donations.