BOSSES at insurance giant Aviva UK are pumped up to raise vital funds for three worthy causes with a marathon cycle ride.

A team of 13, including Aviva’s UK boss Mark Hodges, were today expected to complete their 200-mile, three-day cycle challenge – dubbed the Tour d’Aviva – between the company’s offices in York and Norwich.

The money raised will be shared between Railway Children and employee-nominated regional charities, Martin House children’s hospice at Boston Spa and Priscilla Bacon Lodge in Norwich. Aviva has pledged to match up to £50,000 of funds raised.

Railway Children aims to help vulnerable young people living alone and at risk on the streets.

It has been Aviva’s official partner charity since November 2009.

During this time Aviva and its employees have donated in the region of £500,000 to the organisation.

Aviva encourages its employees to get involved with volunteering and fundraising activities through its corporate responsibility programme.

All members of staff are given three days of paid leave each year to take part in community, charity and environmental activities.

In 2010 Aviva workers spent 24,000 hours volunteering on projects around the UK.

Charitable donations can be made via the Tour d’Aviva sponsorship page at: http://tour.aviva.com