OWNERS of a Birchwood-based distillery have cycled 350 miles to raise more than £21,000 for St Rocco’s Hospice.

Employees from Quintessential Brands Group, who own G&J Distilleries, embarked on a gruelling charity bike ride which took them from Warrington to Dublin in just four days.

Dubbed The Road to Dublin bike ride, the group of riders set off from G&J Distillers and crossed some of the most challenging terrain in England, Wales and Ireland to reach their final destination.

A total of £10,651 was raised for St. Rocco’s Hospice and came from generous donations from company employees, family and friends.

This sum was then matched by Quintessential Brands Group, bringing the grand total to an impressive £21,302.

Pam Massey, CEO of St. Rocco’s Hospic,e said: “We are so grateful to everyone at Quintessential Brands for the support they have shown us and for their generous donations.

“As a charity, we rely on our community to help us raise 78 per cent of our £3.6 million running costs each year.

“We want to say a big thank you to all of the inspiring and determined cyclists who took part in this tremendous challenge.”

Warren Scott, CEO and co-founder of Quintessential Brands Group added: “Warrington has been the home of G&J Distillers for centuries and has a special place in our hearts, and in the history of our company, as the home of so many of our colleagues, past and present.

“Each and every donation made by our colleagues, family and friends kept us going while out on the road and seeing the final total raised certainly makes all of the aches and pains we experienced afterwards more than worthwhile!”