A TEAM of brave employees from Nationwide set off on a journey of a lifetime yesterday from Scotland to Swindon to raise money for charity.

The team of employees, who strapped on their Lycra and left the building society’s Dunfermline contact centre on May 3 to cycle 500 miles to the firm’s Swindon headquarters to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust charity.

They will cover around 100 miles a day as they visit Nationwide branches, contact centres and administration centres along the route to raise both awareness and money.

The team aims to arrive in Swindon on Friday, when they will be joined by Nationwide teams cycling from St David’s in west Wales and the building society’s Bournemouth administration centre.

Tony Prestedge, chief operating office at Nationwide, said the rides were the latest in a long line of fundraising events.

“One in 25 people in the UK carry the gene that causes cystic fibrosis, so we’re getting on our bikes to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust so they can continue to invest in supporting those with the condition,” he said.

“It’s a charity close to the society’s heart and we actively encourage our employees to get involved and take part in volunteering and fundraising activities.

“So far this year we’ve raised over £20,000. alone for the trust I’d like to wish all our budding Bradley Wiggins’ the best of luck for next week and look forward to welcoming the team to Swindon next Friday.”

Now, Nationwide is encouraging others around the country to also get involved by singing up to complete just a mile on their bike and tweet the evidence with #myNBSmile before nominating three friends or colleagues to do the same.

They can then submit a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust by texting MYML49 and your the amount to 70070.

You can find out more at about the Cystic Fibrosis Trust by going to www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk