EMPLOYEES from one of Newbury’s biggest companies are relying on pedal power to raise £35,000 for charity.

A group of 68 Bayer employees set off today (Thursday) to cycle 330-miles across five countries – starting at Marble Arch and finishing three days later in Amsterdam.

They will then hand over the batten to another group of 45 colleagues, who will ride another 215 miles to Bayer’s global headquarters in Leverkusen, in Germany; joined at the beginning by members of the company’s Netherlands office.

Head of general medicine, Dan Coombes, said: “Outside of working hours, both teams have thought of little else but training, eating and working out how they can finish the ride still smiling and in one piece!

“We’ve all put in the miles, and I’m hugely proud of the commitment people have shown and their passion for the cause, which is to raise as much money as possible for Together for Short Lives.”

It is hoped that the endeavour will raise the staggering amount for ‘Together for Short Lives’, a UK charity for children with life-shortening illnesses and their families and carers.

The teams have also been holding additional events such as a quiz and cake sale to help boost their total.

This is the third time that Bayer employees have got on their bikes to raise cash for charity.

In 2014 and 2015, a team from the general medicine business division completed marathon cycle rides which together raised more than £50,000 for charity.