INTREPID fundraisers have walked, run and cycled a phenomenal 13,098km to help shops left waterlogged by the devastating flood.

And their marathon effort has raised almost £9,000 to help wrecked businesses get back on their feet.

Northwich Flood Relief Fund, set up by a group of friends a month ago, aimed to reach a target of 970km, the distance from John O'Groats to Lands End.

Andy Ryder trudges through the mud on a challenging walk

Andy Ryder trudges through the mud on a challenging walk

Andy Ryder trudges through the mud on a challenging walk

People were challenged by 'February for the Floods' to go outside and push themselves to support the appeal.

The response has been so amazing, more than 100 people across town have smashed the target and travelled the equivalent distance of visiting Budapest, Bulgaria, Moscow and Cape Town.

Tara Whiley, one of the many walkers stepping out to support the appeal

Tara Whiley, one of the many walkers stepping out to support the appeal

Tara Whiley, one of the many walkers stepping out to support the appeal

"We are really pleased," said Chris Todd, 39, from Winnington, who launched the fund with a group of football mates. "The response has been amazing. We reached the first target very quickly and then asked people where they would like to go.

"It's been a tough month but seeing everyone getting out and about walking, running and cycling has really brought the community together.

"We've loved it. It gave everyone an incentive to go out and do something during lockdown."

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Chris and his friends wanted to do something to help after seeing so many left distraught after Storm Christoph battered the town.

"We personally know a number of businesses that have been affected and felt helpless seeing the impact the floods would have on their livelihoods.

Matt Burgess, wearing his walk, run, ride hoody which was sold to raise funds for the appeal

Matt Burgess, wearing his walk, run, ride hoody which was sold to raise funds for the appeal

Matt Burgess, wearing his walk, run, ride hoody which was sold to raise funds for the appeal

"We all support Man Utd and watch football together. We wanted to try and do something practical to help."

Friends who teamed up with Chris to launch the appeal include Andy Ryder, Matt Burgess, Andy Wood, Tom Dent, Chris Astles, James Scott and Mike Bradley.

"Local businesses have been amazing by selling products with a percentage of the profits going to the fund, running raffles and even making donations due to their links with the town."

Local takeaways have also handed over generous donations to support the appeal.

Flooded businesses are now being invited to submit requests for financial help.

MadeinNorthwich has spent time with many people impacted by the disaster.

Amanda Cope said: "MadeinNorthwich is a page that I set up to support small businesses. I felt it was my duty to support them through this touch time in any way I could."

The relief fund has teamed up with Northwich Rotary Club to manage the distribution of funding.

Northwich Business Improvement District, Northwich Independent Retailers Association and Northwich Life also pledged support.

"We will go through each application and allocate the funding," said Chris. "It will all be organised professionally and independently.

"We want to thank everyone for their support. It has created a really good community spirit.

"We're hoping to get £10,000. We will keep the donation page open for a couple of weeks and the funds will then be allocated to the impacted businesses."

To support the appeal visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/northwich-floods