Staff from Old Mill have raised £19,604 by cycling 207 in memory of colleague Nick Baker, who sadly lost a short and sudden battle with cancer in August last year.

Friends and family of NIck who worked in the Exeter office greeted the group of riders at the Old Mill offices in Yeovil once they had completed the ride.

The sponsored cycle took them from St Malo, to Saint Michel, to Lessay and on to Cherbourg before boarding a ferry back to Poole and the West Country.

David Rice, colleague and close friend of Nick’s, organised the challenge and took part in the cycle. He said he was thrilled with the support and money is still coming in

David said: “Our third cycle challenge was a superb experience, the French countryside was truly an excellent place to pay tribute to Nick. My colleague Duncan Parkes even rode Nick’s bike. The cameraderie among the riders made the ride memorable and poignant. We felt confident of raising £10,000, but to be on the cusp of raising £20,000 we are truly grateful and appreciative.

"Nick was a true action man; he was a marathon runner, had completed John O’Groats to Land’s End cycle challenge and also took part in two previous Old Mill cycle rides to raise money for the charity School In A Bag. His colleagues were keen to do something in his memory and a ride together seemed like the perfect idea.''

The money raised goes to Yeovil charity School In A Bag - which sends rucksacks filled with stationery, learning resources and eating utensils to poor, orphan, disadvantaged and disaster affected children around the world - and Marie Curie, who provide care and support to people and their families with a terminal illness.

Marie Curie was chosen by Nick’s parents, while School in a Bag – which also has two riders taking part in the challenge - has been one of Old Mill’s nominated charities for many years.

If you would like to donate, please visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/nickbakerOM