SIBLINGS who walked 62 miles in less than 24 hours – and cycled non-stop for the same length of time – have raised more than £2,000 for Myeloma UK thanks to the arduous challenges they undertook.

Brother and sister Amber Fox-Hammond, 27, and Toby, 24, from Kelvedon, took on the fitness challenges to support the bone marrow cancer charity which helped their mum Suzi, 58, during her treatment for the disease last year.

The pair cycled on spin bikes at Anytime Fitness Gym, in Stanway, and they then followed that with a two-day walk from Epping Rail Station to Colchester Leisure World, where they were met by cheering supporters who congratulated them on their feat.

So far, their JustGiving campaign is set to top £2,300 with more donations coming in via sponsorship forms.

Miss Fox-Hammond, a primary school teacher in Mersea, said: “What we didn’t realise was having the challenges so close to one another was going to be a huge mental struggle but it is one we managed to overcome.

“The cycling was very tough especially from around 2am until 5.30am when there was just us two in the gym.

“Up until then we’d have a lot of support with gym members and staff hopping on to cycle, as well as friends and family.

“People even brought in cups of tea and coffee, and a local Domino’s had dropped off a pizza for us which was brilliant as it helped to keep us going. Our mum jumped on for ten minutes. Both our parents are massively proud of us and it’s been a huge achievement getting through the challenges.”

On day two of the walk, which began at 7.30am, from Chelmsford, Amber suffered a strained ligament in Coggeshall and had to miss out on eight miles.

Toby and Amber’s partner continued until West Bergholt, where Amber, who was determined not to be beaten, rejoined the two on crutches for the final four miles of the journey to Colchester Leisure World.

She added: “I was more upset about not being able to carry on rather than the injury itself but once I have a Saturday free I am planning to make up the miles I missed so that I can say I have done them.

“We did the route in 22 hours and 40 minutes – it was very scenic and enjoyable, we just did it at a faster pace than you would ordinarily.

“Myeloma UK has contacted us and is grateful for what we did.

“Quite possibly we could make this an annual event to remember the anniversary of our mum’s diagnosis but whatever happens, Myeloma UK will always be close to the family’s hearts and we are so glad to have raised the cash.”