Mason and Branch formed part of a 50-strong team of cyclists who undertook the challenge, co-ordinated by brand and communications agency Emperor and made up of employees of the agency together with “friends and family”.

London-based Emperor had pledged to raise £50,000 for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity this year through a series of events, after losing head of finance Jill Cory-Wright to the disease. 

The amazing efforts of all involved – especially as some of the participants hadn’t been on a bike for 15 years – has propelled the total raised to more than £102,000. 

Branch described the ride as “a moving experience, with people affected by cancer encouraging us along the way”.