COLLEAGUES at Nestlé in York are to take on their own Tour De France in the hope of raising thousands for children’s charity, writes Sean Haggerty.

The 17 workers, named the Nestlé Wheelers, will ride from the O2 Arena in London to the Eiffel Tower in Paris next month.

The ride will cover 300 miles and will take them to Dover and through the rural landscape of northern France.

They aim to raise more than £25,000 for Action for Children, which is Nestlé’s chosen charity for this year.

Action for Children work with more than 250,000 young people, parents and carers in order to support the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Daniel Hall, 27, and a competitor in the race, said: “We wanted to all come together and raise money for something worthy in a special way and what better way to do this for Action for Children than by cycling in our very own version of ‘Tour De France’.

“It’s going to be tough, but we want to show what strong stuff Yorkshire is made of – and that we’re all ready to take on the 300 miles.”

As previously reported, York will host the Grande Départ as part of the 2014 Tour De France.

One of the cyclists is Stephen Owens, 28, who is taking the opportunity to take up a new sport while raising money for a great charity.

He is also running the Great North Run in September for Action for Children. Stephen said: “I’m looking forward to the camaraderie and banter with all taking part - and the first pint of Stella in Paris.”

The team will be tweeting live messages and photos throughout their journey from @NestleWheelers.

To donate to the cause go to www.justgiving.com/NestleWheelers