Nine cyclists, including Melody Ansara, Elspeth Griffiths and Kate Anderson from the west of the island, have completed a 185-mile cycle ride.

They rode from the island of Vatersay in the Outer Hebrides to the Butt of Lewis, the most northerly point of Lewis.

They were raising money for the anti-slavery charity International Justice Mission (IJM).

The cyclists, who completed the ’Just Ride’ event in two and a half days, smashed their goal of raising £15,000 by raising more than £21,000 - enough to fund about four rescue operations to free people trapped in slavery around the world.

Forty million people are in slavery today, the International Labour Organisation says.

That’s more than ever before - and one in four is a child.

After facing the first 14 miles from Vatersay to Aird Mhor amid the remnants of storm Dorian, the cyclists’ ferry was cancelled, leaving them stranded on the island of Barra.

Though time had been cut short, they were determined to squeeze the cycle into the two-and-a-half days remaining.

So, after a day’s wait, they caught the ferry from Aird Mhor to Eriskay to cycle 75 miles through the Uist islands in 50mph winds, just in time to make their ferry from Berneray to Leverburgh.

The next day saw them tackling the highest point of the route, the Clesham Pass in Harris, finishing at the Callanish Stone Circle 65 miles later.

The final stretch through Lewis led the group to the Butt of Lewis, just in time for a quick celebration before they caught their final ferry home. More than 185 miles and all seasons later, they made it.

The Just Ride team was supported by John Anderson, who farms in Patrick.

He said the winds were so strong that the minibus door broke upon opening it.

As the Examiner reported this week, John has now begun his own challenge, walking from Land’s End to John O’Groats, 1,000 miles over two months to continue raising awareness of modern-day slavery.

Anti-slavery charity IJM has helped to rescue more than 50,000 people from slavery and oppression and seen thousands of traffickers and abusers arrested.

Melody Ansara, aged 41, who lives in Glen Maye, said: ’Deciding to do this challenge was not easy.

’What made the decision final was the thought of enslaved children, woman and men going through torment, sometimes for years on end.

Cycling for 185 miles and fundraising for IJM was a way of trying to do my small part in helping to free and bring justice to these vulnrable people.

’We started to train in July this year. We went from complete beginners to overcoming 185 miles of cycling in sometimes ferocious weather. We had such an adventure.

’I hope that our cycle raises further funds and awareness for IJM and all the amazing work they do.’

Elspeth Griffiths, aged 56, from Gordon in Patrick, said: ’I was really shocked to learn that today there are more people enslaved (40 million) that at any other time in history.

’If we do nothing then nothing will change - buying a bike, training really hard and completing over 185 miles in two-and-a-half days was my way of doing something - so that something will change.

’We are all capable of something and I would encourage anyone to do what they can however small it may seem, as it can all add up to something big - as big as ending slavery in our lifetime.’

The other Manx participant, Kate Anderson, is from Knockaloe Beg Farm in Patrick.

IJM UK’s Zoe Anderson Scotland development coordinator said: ’Slavery happens everywhere. That is why we all urgently need to act. Some of the 25 million people trapped in forced labour slavery today are producing everyday products we buy here - like clothing, chocolate, mobile phones, make-up and prawns.’