July 13: Fun-loving Swindonians are this week doing what they do best raising cash for less fortunate people.

A host of events has been planned for Swindon Cares week, and a few have already got the fundraising extravaganza off to a flying start.

Nationwide, which is backing the initiative, has once again come up trumps for charity. The building society, in Piper's Way, has shown the colour of its money with a £4,000 donation.

Michelle Leighton, community affairs manager, said: "We wanted to make a substantial donation to Swindon Cares, which is now in its second year.

"So we decided on the £4,000 so each charity receives £1,000 each."

Swindon Cares, which started on Sunday with a 25-mile bike ride, runs until Friday.

Last year's fundraising drive brought in £15,000 £5,000 more than the original target.

The money was donated to Age Concern, Macmillan Cancer Relief and NSPCC Swindon.

This year the target is £30,000 and the money raised will go to the same three charities, plus the GWR Community Trust, which will distribute its share among a wide range of local charities.

Nationwide, Zurich, GWR Community Trust, the Rotary Club of Swindon, Swindon Council, the Swindon Chamber, BBC Radio Swindon and the Evening Advertiser are backing the initiative.

Sunday's bike ride saw 35 cyclists brave the drizzle to pedal their way around countryside east of Swindon.

Joining in the fun was the High Sheriff of Wiltshire, James Arkell.

This was followed by the High Sheriff of Wiltshire's Charity Concert at Old Town's Christ Church.

Teams from Swindon businesses will come together tonight for a fundraising company quiz at Swindon Town FC Winners Lounge. A six-a-side football tournament at the County Ground is planned for tomorrow.

Other events include: speed dating at The Apartment on Thurs-day at 7pm. Call 01793 842600 and a dress down for work day on Friday.

For details of events go to www.swindoncares.co.uk

Alex Emery