About 120 Sikh cyclists raised £7,500 for the former Mayor of Redbridge’s appeal, it has been announced.

Ilford Recorder: A total sum of £7,500 was raised by the riders, sponsors, local businesses and Gurdwaras.A total sum of £7,500 was raised by the riders, sponsors, local businesses and Gurdwaras. (Image: Archant)

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The participants and marshals, who were made up of the Sikh community group Khalsa Bikers, travelled 17 miles through east London, raising money for Cllr Felicity Banks’ charity for the municipal year, Hopes and Dreams, last month.

The cheque presentation was held at Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar in Manor Park, East Ham, last week.

Former Mayor of Redbridge Cllr Banks, now retired, attended the presentation on Sunday (15).

Gurmit Kaur, of Gants Hill, sawboth events, said: “The Sikh community are delighted because all the Gurdwaras [in the borough of Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham and Newham] participated and made it happen - it is really good to see.

“The Sikh community worked together for the wider community.”

Organiser Arvinder Singh Khalsa, 52, of Hornchurch, said: “Normally, I organise all the bits and bobs, even driving the van to pick up any fallen riders, but this time I rode on a bike. It was very unusual to get on a bike.”

“It was one of the best rides we have done because it was a good turnout, the weather was nice and I was riding this year.”