A COURAGEOUS team of ten 10 cyclists from RWE npower’s Swindon office successfully cycled from London to Paris, covering the 195 miles in aid of charity partner of 12 years, Macmillan Cancer Support.

Starting at the iconic London Eye, the three-day route took the 40 strong team from offices across npower through glorious English countryside, as they cycled from London to Newhaven on day one.

Once ‘French side’, the intrepid cyclists continued to push the pedals along quiet French country lanes, and through traditional market towns with views of the rolling green hills of northern France before reaching the outskirts of Paris and entering their final furlongs.

The pièce de résistance of this cycle challenge for charity was the spectacular view of the 324 metre Eiffel Tower in the heart of the French capital, which marked the finish line.

Each team member had an individual fundraising target of £400, which they collectively surpassed, reaching £26,500, and with npower match funding the total fundraising pot hit more than £53,000.

Before setting off, Penny Tomlinson, who works in the policy and public affairs team at the Swindon office said: “Many of us know someone who has been affected by cancer – a close relative of mine recently recovered from cancer and I’ve seen the difference that good support can make during recovery.

“Macmillan does such a wonderful job, it is great to show my thanks and support through a physical challenge such as this.”

On completing the epic challenge, despite an injury, Penny said: “London to Paris definitely had its highs and lows. I am so glad I decided to carry on after falling off in London. I was supported by a fantastic bunch of people all the way through, and huge thanks has to go out to all of them - I couldn’t have done it without them.

“Passing the finish line at the Eiffel Tower and seeing a sea of green Macmillan t-shirts was a great feeling.”

Clare McDougall, npower’s head of community, who joined the team on their expedition, said: I am so proud of each and every colleague who took part – we had a mixture of abilities with some people who’d never cycled long distances before and others that were complete professionals, who all came together to raise over £50,000.”