STAFF from six HSBC branches across Wiltshire have been raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society this week, when static bikes in the high street branches provided the ultimate endurance test as part of HSBC’s Road to Birmingham challenge.

The Road to Birmingham saw four teams of cyclists depart from the four corners of the UK, cycling across the country, all the way to Birmingham – the new home of HSBC UK.

The south team, led by Rebecca Rush, HSBC area director in Wiltshire, set off from London on Monday to ride the 145 miles to Birmingham.

With a huge overall target of £10,000 to raise, Rebecca gathered her retail colleagues across Wiltshire to help. Branches in Chippenham, Trowbridge, Devizes, Salisbury and Swindon, took on their own cycling challenge, cycling for 16 hours over the two days on static bikes in the branches.

Pewsey-based Rebecca said: “Our cycling team has taken on an exceptional challenge and colleagues across Wiltshire have been keen to support the fundraising efforts.

“Alzheimer’s Society is extremely close to my heart as my own family has been personally affected by the disease.

"Teams across Wiltshire have been instrumental in ensuring we reach our overall goal of £10,000, as have the generous customers who have been donating in branches.”

The south team were due to complete the challenge on Tuesday, when they were due to arrive in Birmingham, meeting teams from HSBC in Scotland, the north and west.

Luke Harper, head of HSBC UK’s partnership with British Cycling, said: “Our partnership with British Cycling is about getting people on their bike, whether it is for travel, fitness or leisure, and the Road To Birmingham provides HSBC colleagues with a bit more of a challenge, raising a significant amount of money for charity in the process.

"The inspiring fundraising undertaken by the team is a wonderful example of how cycling can both bring people together and raise awareness of a worthy cause.”

For more information and to donate, visit: www.britishcycling.org.uk/news/article/20170714-Road-to-Birmingham-2017-0