The npower team Picture Ref: 77687-36CYCLISTS working for npower in Swindon have cycled from sister offices in Germany back to their home office to raise at least £5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

And staff believe the final total could go as high as £9,000.

Whatever they raise will be matched by npower.

The team are based at Windmill Hill Business Park and decided to support their corporate charity Macmillan Cancer Relief.

The team left their German office in Essen and followed the German Industrial Cycle Route to Venlo in the Netherlands before travelling through Belgium and Northern France to take the ferry to England.

Verity Campbell, 27, a team administrator, said: "It was an amazing experience. We don't usually cycle but now we will be buying bikes. We enjoyed the training and the trip and all bonded very well. "Macmillan is our corporate charity and it is so easy to collect money as it is a popular charity."

Verity did come a cropper at one stage when she crashed into a post and went head over heels. But fortunately the only damage was a cracked cycle helmet.

The team had a great welcome back in Swindon from their colleagues after the week long journey.

The money raised will go to the Adver-backed Swindon cancer Appeal.

The fund now stands at £722,512.

Gareth Bethell