Sussexsport staff have smashed their target and raised over £800 for Brighton-based children’s charity Rockinghorse, far exceeding their fundraising goal of £500.

Five members of Sussexsport and a Sussex alumna completed a charity bike ride to raise funds for their nominated charity, cycling from the university campus to France at the weekend (6-8 May).

The round trip departed from the university early on Friday morning (6 May) to catch the ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe. The group then cycled along the French coast to Fécamp, before heading inland to Rouen and beginning the circular journey back to Sussex.

Sussexsport Duty Manager Ben Ospalak organised the trip and was joined by colleagues Terry, Mike, Simon, Mark and Sussex alumna Emma for the ride.

Despite some over enthusiastic wildlife during dinner times and a few minor mechanical hitches, the sunny weather and French countryside kept the team in good spirits throughout the trek.

Deputy Head of Sport, Simon Tunley, said: “The cycle ride was a great success, taking in some scenic places in Northern France with amazing weather most days. It was a fantastic team effort; everyone supported each other throughout the ride and this was made easier by the great team leadership of Ben.

“Knowing we had managed to raise so much more money than we had planned also gave us the incentive to complete the ride. We would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who sponsored us.”

There is still time to donate to the team via the Sussexsport JustGiving page.