Family and friends filled the arrivals lounge of Malta International Airport this afternoon to greet the Lifecycle team which has returned from Manchester.

The team has been having a break since Friday evening, after completing a gruelling 12-day 2,100 kilometre ride from Venice, which saw them cycling through Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium and France before finishing in the UK.

They finished their ride at the Old Trafford Stadium, escorted by members of Stockport Fire Brigade, where they were greeted by Manchester United Football Club chairman, Sir Alex Ferguson.

Lifecycle chairman Alan Curry described it as a “fantastic trip”, that after 12 years was getting better and better.

The team, he said, was fantastic and there were no real problems.

The group, Mr Curry said, was a credit to Malta for what they had done for persons less fortunate than themselves.

Lifecycle organises an annual cycling challenge to collect funds for the Renal Unit at Mater Dei Hospital.

Donations to Lifecycle can be made through the website www.lifecyclechallenge.com or by texting 5061 7370 to donate €2.33, 5061 8920 for €7 and 5061 9229 for €11.65. One can also phone 5004 9065 to give €10, 5004 9060 for €20 on 5004 9063 for €50.