POLICE officers and call centre workers are riding in tandem from Scotland back down south in bids to raise funds for various worthy charities.

Last week, a team of Wiltshire Police officers from the Swindon drugs team set off on the 900 mile journey from John O’Groats to Land’s End. On Sunday, a huge team from Nationwide left their contact centre in Dunfermline, travelling back to the headquarters in Swindon.

The officers, raising funds for Cancer Research and Embrace, the charity supporting child victims of crime, have now conquered Scotland through strong gusts and headwinds.

PC Nigel Lord, during a break at Loch Lomond, said: “Three days in and we have travelled just over 300 miles and reached Kilmarnock, with the next destination being Penrith.

“We have had a real mixture of British weather, with very strong 30mph head winds and 40mph gusts turning to lovely blue skies.

“It has been a real emotional and physical challenge so far and the support we have had for our charities has kept us on track.”

PC Steve Duffy, Wiltshire Police dog handler, said Cancer Research is a cause close to his heart.

“We chose Cancer Research because I don’t think there is anyone who is not affected by cancer at some stage in their life,” he said.

“My mum died of cancer at 49, my wife lost her dad to cancer and my wife has been diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, which isn’t a problem at the moment but it’s something we’re aware of.”

To donate to the Bobbies on Bikes team, visit www.justgiving.com/teams/JOGLEMay2015.

The Nationwide team, two days behind the officers, are raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis trust, and arrived in Swindon on Friday(may8). There they were joined by Nationwide teams cycling from St David’s in west Wales and the 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, and 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 amount to 70070.