AN INDEPENDENT estate agency from Andover has raised more than £3,000 for a children's hospice by completing a 24-hour cycle.

Austin Hawk Estate Agents took on the ambitious challenge to raise money for Naomi House and Jacksplace, a charity that supports children and young adults with life-limiting conditions.

The challenge was a 24-hour bike marathon, which took place at Austin Hawk’s offices in Andover. The team started cycling on March 29 at 3pm, with staff taking turns riding on a static bicycle for 24 hours straight, until 3pm on March 30. 

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Lettings manager, Stephanie Hillier, who has worked for Austin Hawk for six years, said: "We opened our JustGiving around a month ago, with the aim of raising £1,000 for Naoimi House and Jacksplace. However, we've had an amazing amount of donations within the last week or so, and we managed to raise over £3,000 which is fantastic.

"Naomi House and Jacksplace do some absolutely amazing work, so for us to be able to give back to the community is something we're very thankful we are able to do."

The money raised will provide Naomi House and Jacksplace, in Sutton Scotney, with funds to provide essential care and support to children and young adults with life-limiting conditions, as well as their families.

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The charity provides specialist nursing care, respite care, emotional support, and end-of-life care, among other services across Hampshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Dorset, the Isle of Wight and beyond.

Seven members of staff took part, and Stephanie said: "The team started very strong, but by the end everyone was shattered! Despite that, we had some fantastic support from the community, particularly Fireaway Pizza, Baguette De Moet, Coffee 78, and Vicky at Stand Out Cleaning, who all brought us lots of food and drink to keep our energy levels up and keep us going. A massive thank you to them and everyone else who has supported us."

Stephanie added: "I just want to reiterate how proud I am of our team for raising over £3,000. It was a challenge for all of us but I think the continued support and well wishes from the community helped us keep going and push through the pain and tiredness."