A 38-strong team of therapists, charity staff, trustees and corporate partners has cycled 55 miles from London to Brighton to raise money for a local children's mental health charity.

The "Herd" took on the iconic London to Brighton Cycle Ride on Sunday, 13 September, in support of Twickenham charity The Purple Elephant Project (PEP).

Among those taking part were four of PEP's therapists, who provide mental health support to children, alongside new chair Alex Calcutt, trustee Charlie Bruce, head of partnerships Nina Bradburn, and a group of family and friends.

The challenge also saw 12 riders from corporate partner Lindt take part, including CEO Joel Burrows, alongside corporate partner Third Space CEO Colin Waggett.

Lindt donated bespoke cycling jerseys for the entire team, while Third Space sponsored the challenge.

The 55-mile distance has a special significance for the charity, as it is approximately the average lifespan of an elephant.

PEP provides specialist early mental health support for children, using art and play therapy to help them process difficult experiences and emotions.

The charity also helps children develop the confidence, resilience and coping skills they need to thrive.

With demand for children's mental health support continuing to grow, money raised by the riders will help PEP reach more children and families in need of support.

Nina Bradburn, head of partnerships at The Purple Elephant Project, said: "There is something really special about this challenge.

"We have therapists who support our children every day, our staff and trustees, friends and incredible corporate partners all coming together as one Herd.

"Fifty-five miles is going to be a huge challenge for many of us, particularly Ditchling Beacon, but every mile has a purpose and will be giving hope to more children.

"We want to raise as much as possible so that more children can get the right support at the right time, before their difficulties escalate.

"We would absolutely love the local community to get behind our Herd.

"Whether it's £5, £10 or £50, every donation will help us transform more young lives, and if you'd like to join our Herd next year, please get in touch."

The team has already raised £36,000 between them and hopes to continue increasing the total following the challenge.

The charity said the more money raised, the more children it can support.

Donations can still be made to the Purple Elephant Project's London to Brighton team through its JustGiving page here.

READ MORE: What happens if someone dies without a will? A Twickenham guide to intestacy.

We want to provide Twickenham with more and more clickbait-free local news. To do that, we need a loyal newsletter following. Help us survive and sign up for our free weekly newsletter by clicking the link HERE.