Staff members from the Douglas Marks and Spencer (M&S) store got their wheels spinning in aid of a cancer charity.

The store’s manager, Matt Robinson, decided to cycle 85 miles around the island’s coastal roads to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support as it had played a big role in caring for his father.

He set off from the shop on Strand Street at 8am with the in-store team trying to beat their boss on static bikes, swapping every half hour or so.

Matt finished his trip at 3.20pm. He discovered that he had been beaten by two miles.

He said: ’It went really well and we smashed our fundraising figures, so we’re very chuffed.

’The cycling was challenging during the first couple of hours as it was quite bad weather going around Marine Drive. It was also difficult getting up The Sloc.

’However, it was nice where it was flat up in Jurby towards the Point of Ayre and then it became harder again once I reached Ramsey.

’It was very steep around Maughold, which I wasn’t expecting as it didn’t look steep on paper. It’s hard when you’ve got 70 miles on your legs already.’

Overall the team raised about £2,000 for the charity.

In a previous interview, he said: ’Three years ago my father passed away and Macmillan was really good in terms of support for my family.’

M&S staff members will continue to raise money for Macmillan this month.

Di Barnes, section manager of the coffee shop, said: ’Les Williamson, who is a pop up busker and has played for us for years, will be at the coffee morning on Friday next week (September 28).

’There will also be smaller events and games with cake tasting.

’Daniel Carroll-Cawley, who is a coffee shop staff member, did the End to End walk for the charity and also raised more than £200 when he walked around M&S dressed up as George Michael.

She added: ’The customers have been fantastic by coming along and donating.’