Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions’ CEO, Simon Oliphant (pictured), is parking the car for one day and embarking on a 110-mile bike ride for British Gas Bikes Britain charity event to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

He hits the tarmac with Gerald Grimes, managing director of Hitachi Capital Consumer Finance and five more Hitachi Capital employees, who join other enthusiasts on their expedition.

British Gas Bikes Britain will see over 50 cyclists cover 760 miles starting in Uddingston Scotland, passing through Cardiff and ending in Windsor.

Oliphant comments: “I am very excited to be taking part in British Gas Bikes Britain. This is such a fantastic cause and I am delighted we can help our partners, British Gas, raise funds for the important work that takes place at the hospital.

"This will be a completely new challenge for me as I have never cycled this distance before, but I’m sure it will be a rewarding experience as well as a personal challenge.”

The money raised will be contributing towards a new, state-of-the-art centre for Neurosciences and the treating of patients with conditions such as brain tumours, epilepsy, head injuries and strokes.

Grimes adds, “British Gas has chosen such an exciting way to raise money for the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. It is great to be part of the Hitachi Capital team supporting them, so fingers crossed we do them proud.

"I am a keen cyclist, and recently completed a Leeds to Paris Charity ride, but this presents a whole new challenge which I am thoroughly looking forward to taking part in.”