Staff at Stornoway Airport have smashed their fundraising target after completing a gruelling cycle challenge.
The 18-strong team set out earlier this on the venture, spanning more than 85 miles in a single day, in aid of local cancer charities.
The group, compromising firefighters, air traffic controllers and workers from the helicopter department, began their odyssey at the Eilean Glas Lighthouse in Scalpay before pedalling on to the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, raising funds in the process for Macmillan Cancer Support and the Western Isles Cancer Care Initiative.
And now, they have announced the final sum raised was £6,253, four times the initial target set out before embarking on the challenge.
Donald Macmillan, organiser of the event, said: “It was great. Everyone was fantastic and we really lucked out on the weather because that day was magnificent.
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“It was tough in some parts, but we managed to pull together and the support shown was fantastic. Everything ran perfectly.
“It is unbelievable what has been raised. We set ourselves a small target and we were delighted to reach over £1,000. It has been incredible how generous everyone has been.
“The work these organisations do for communities throughout the Western Isles and the help they give families is brilliant. You can’t put a price on that and we wanted to give something back.
“We have really caught the bug and hope to do something else next year.”
Helen Sandison, development manager of WICCI, said: “We were totally shocked and astonished at the final total raised. We are absolutely delighted to have received over £4000 to help our cause.
“Well done to the cyclists. It is a huge achievement and I am sure there were a lot of sore legs.”
WICCI aims to help those with cancer on the Western Isles by providing financial assistance in the form of grants. Patients going through treatment are eligible to apply for awards of up to £500 which can assist in many different ways from repairing a broken-down washing machine to providing finance towards heating costs.
Since opening the fund in February, more than £35,000 has been distributed by WICCI to 77 recipients in the Western Isles.
A sum of £2,001 was also donated to Macmillan Cancer Support, with Sara Maciver picking up the cheque on behalf of the organisation.