Four UEA students have raised nearly �2,000 for charity by cycling from John O'Groats to Land's End.

Lisa Cooper, Alick Burnett, Marie Davies and Liz Elliott completed the 874-mile journey in 14 days, with three of the friends raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support, and one cycling for the RSPB.

Marie, 29, who lives near Ipswich Road and studies ecology, cycled for the RSPB as she volunteers at Strumpshaw Fen, near Brundall.

Alick, 21, from Stowmarket, who recently graduated in business management, Lisa, 21, from Biddulph, near Stoke, who studies chemistry, and Liz, 21, from Catton, who also studies chemistry, rode for Macmillan.

Between them they raised �1,000 for Macmillan, while Marie raised �936 for the RSPB.

The four trained throughout the summer to prepare for the popular charity ride route. On September 6 they began their journey, taking in Loch Ness and Glasgow before heading through the Lake District.

Adding an additional trial to the long journey was the remnants of Hurricane Katia, with the high winds forcing them to be delayed by a day in Penrith.

Alick said: 'The experience has been awesome and a once in a lifetime achievement for all of us. It's safe to say friendships have been forged and strengthened throughout our adventure and the memories will live on.'

Marie said: 'It was an incredibly tough challenge, both mentally and physically, but it was an amazing feeling when we crossed the finish line. It has been great to have everyone's support, and I'm very happy to have raised so much money for the RSPB.'

Gena Correale-Wardle, RSPB community fundraising officer for the eastern region, added: 'Marie has shown just how much she loves nature by stepping up and taking on this epic challenge, raising funds for the RSPB in aid of wildlife and habitats all over the UK. It's a feat made even more impressive by the fact that she has also smashed her fundraising target of �500, almost doubling it at over �900.'

Lisa's mum, Sonia Cooper, of Palmer Road, Norwich, said: 'My husband and I became their support drivers for the last three days of the challenge and seeing the amount of road they had to cover, especially the A30 in Cornwall, makes us realise that it was not an easy challenge to complete.'

Are you undertaking a challenge for charity? Contact Local Life editor Richard Wood on 01603 772423 or email richard.wood@archant.co.uk