Despite slightly lower participation numbers, organisers of the Drummond Real Estate Lake Hume Cycle Challenge were still able to donate $25,000 to the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund this year.

The latest donation takes the Rotary Club of Bellbridge Lake Hume’s total contribution to the cancer centre to $153,000 over eight years.

Organising committee chair, Rob Lees, said the February 23 event was popular with riders across the Border region, as well as cyclists who had travelled from as far away as Melbourne and Canberra.

“It has grown from 150 riders to 600-odd now in the space of three or four years,” he said.

“The decision to bring back the Granya Grind after two years has paid off, with more than 200 riders taking part in that event alone.”

Money raised through the cycle challenge is directed towards the Wellness Centre, which offers support, information and wellbeing programs to cancer patients and their families.