A TEAM of environmental consultants from Malmesbury are taking on a gruelling 24-hour bike ride to help support farmers in poverty-stricken parts of east Africa.

ACD Environmental are gearing up for the Crudwell 24-hour bike ride next Saturday (18), raising money for international development charity Send a Cow.

Staff have been working hard in preparation for the ride, taking to their bikes at lunchtime and practicing overnight rides ready for the event.

ACD Environmental previously took part in the Romsey Relay Marathon in April, where a team of eight ran 26 miles to raise money for Send a Cow.

The charity was set up by West Country dairy farmers in 1988 and currently works in seven African countries providing poor smallholder farmers with training, tools, seeds and livestock to produce their own food and lift themselves out of poverty.

Jon Seymour, team captain and technical director at ACD Environmental, said: “Our team have been training hard for several months now in preparation for the 24-hour bike ride and have embraced the challenge and the opportunity to raise funds for such a worthy cause.

“We are proud to contribute to Send a Cow’s hard work, improving the lives of some of the poorest people in Africa.

“Now we look forward to our challenge with enthusiasm and excitement and hope you can all support us in our efforts.”

Sophie Porfirio, corporate partnerships manager at Send a Cow, said: “We’re extremely grateful to ACD Environmental for taking on this challenge in support of Send a Cow.

“Taking part in a challenge like this is no mean feat – it requires training, discipline and commitment.

“We wish them the best of luck and hope they have a fantastic experience.”

To support ACD Environmental in their challenge and donate to Send a Cow visit justgiving.com/acdenvironmental