A GROUP of McDonald's employees from Bracknell will be taking part in a charity bike ride to raise money for families with children in hospitals.

The staff, Thames Valley Police (TVP) officers, teachers, community youth workers and young people will take part in the 50 mile Bike Oxford event to fundraise for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).

The team hope to raise more than £2,500 for the charity's centre in Oxford, which is one of 14 Ronald McDonald Houses in the UK.

So far they have raised £1,170.

The money will be used to support families with seriously ill children by providing them with a place to stay as part of their 'Home away from Home' initiative.

The homes for the families will include communal living areas, kitchens and laundry facilities.

TVP is taking part in the bike ride after McDonald's donated three bikes to aid local patrols as part of the restaurant's 'Healthy Living' campaign.

George Wakelin, assistant manager of McDonald's in Bracknell, said: “I am really excited to take part in the BikeOxford event and keen to raise as much as we can for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

“They are dedicated in ensuring that families maintain a degree of normal life while their child undergoes treatment.

“I want to thank the rest of the team and especially the TVP officers who have kindly volunteered their time. It is great to see the whole community coming together to support the charity of choice.”

To donate to RMHC's BikeOxford visit www.justgiving.com/teams/RMHCBIKE.