A CHARITY cycle ride organised by a Teignmouth firefighter has raised a staggering £25,000 for charity. Gary Judge was accompanied by 364 cyclists, who took on the challenge across Dartmoor at the weekend. Members of Firefighters Fighting Cancer, with the assistance of a team from Cancer Research UK, organised the event, which started in Plympton and offered two courses of 25 and 50 miles. Each course followed the old railway track on to the moor and circled Burrator Reservoir, with the longer course looping around Princetown. Weather conditions were perfect for the ride, being bright and clear but not excessively hot. However, the determination and efforts of the individual cyclists, combined with the tremendous support from members of the public, led to the team raising more money than expected. Mr Judge said: 'The interest that the public took in the event was inspiring. For so many people to make such an effort, not just in cycling the distance but in raising so much sponsorship was exceptional.' Jon Miller, the event's co-ordinator, from Sidmouth, thanked the assistance of Sylvia Arlett, of Cancer Research UK. 'We are very grateful to Sylvia and her team for the efforts in helping to organise and implement the event.' He thanked fire station crews at Yelverton and Princetown, the large number of the county's firefighters who took part in the event and all other volunteers who helped make the event such a success. Next up for the team is the ultimate cycle ride, from Lands End to John O'Groates. To make a donation, visit the website http://www.firefightingcancer.co.uk">www.firefightingcancer.co.uk or by post to Firefighters Fighting Cancer, Devon Fire & Rescue Service, Service HQ, Clyst St George, Exeter. EX3 0NW. Cheques should be made payable to Firefighters Fighting Cancer.