FIVE members of the brewing industry worked up a thirst by cycling from John O'Groats to Land's End to raise money for charity.

The quintet, Paul Corbett and Andrew Whalley from hop merchants Charles Faram of Bastonford, near Malvern, hop grower Richard Capper of Stocks Farm, Suckley and Roger Ryman and Gary Ringrose of St Austell Brewery in Cornwall have raised more than £16.5k for their respective charities so far, as well as encouraging men to think more about their health.

Paul Corbett, managing director of Charles Faram was hoping to raise £1,000 by completing the HopCycle challenge to help the charity Prostate Cancer UK, but supporters, including a couple that passed the cyclists on the road, have bumped the sum so far up to nearly £4,000 for him.

Mr Corbett said: “I decided to jump in on Andrew’s idea of the HopCycle and complete the journey for Prostate Cancer UK because it seems to be an issue that men avoid until it’s too late. Personal friends and colleagues within the brewing industry have suffered with this disease and it’s always a similar story. Men need to act quickly.”

James Beeby, director of fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, added: "It was fantastic when we received news that Paul had decided to take part in the HopCycle to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK. By doing this he is joining Men United and helping to make a real difference in furthering the fight against prostate cancer. Whatever you do together, big or small, you’ll be helping us push for real change, from more effective testing to better treatments. We thank Paul and congratulate him on completing his challenge."