A group of cyclists went more than the proverbial extra mile – 100 kilometres to be precise – to raise funds for breast cancer research.

The 38 cyclists pedalled beyond the planned daily 120 kilometres to travel from London to Paris in six days, raising €55,000.

They covered a total distance of 820 kilometres, sleeping a mere four hours a night.

Winston Pirotta explained that they cycled from about 8am to 6pm or 8pm every day and once kept pedalling until 11.30pm.

Asked whether he ever came close to giving up, Mr Pirotta said he faced many challenging moments but in trying times he would think of the cause and the people they were pedalling for.

“When you think of the people behind this cause, you go that extra mile,” he added.

In Brussels, they were met by Helen Muscat, chairwoman and co-founder of Action for Breast Cancer Foundation, who travelled purposely to Belgium to meet the team.

The Alive Charity Foundation organised the event to help fund a research project in breast cancer at the University of Malta, supported by the foundation and facilitated by the University of Malta Research, Innovation and Development Trust.

Mr Pirotta noted that most of the participants were amateur cyclists taking part in this kind of challenge for the first time.

The cyclists had a tough time while crossing the Belgian and French border, from Brussels to Arras, as they had to trudge through thick mud with the rain battering on their heads.

But, in the end, it was a “life-changing experience” where cyclists got to know their limitations and learnt how to be prepared for similar events.

Donations are still being welcomed. Contributions of €2.33 can be made by SMS on 50617364; €4.66 on 50618081; €6.99 on 50618913 and €11.65 on 50619208. More information is available at www.alivecharity.com