Chocolate shop workers from Thame swapped their aprons for trainers as they took part in a spring triathlon for charity. 

A total of 22 members of staff from the Thame and Wendover branches of Rumsey’s Handmade Chocolates swam, cycled and ran 344km between them on Sunday May 21.

Their efforts raised £1,800 for the company's charity of the year, Thomley, which is based just outside Thame and supports over 7,000 disabled visitors and their families each year.

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Rumsey’s owner and organiser of the event Kate Rumsey said: “I am so proud of our brilliant staff members.

"I wanted to organise a fun challenge for the team and they really rose to the occasion."

She added: "It costs Thomley over £770,000 per year to run their amazing eight-acre site, and I am blown-away by our wonderful customers and supporters who have been so generous in sponsoring us – every penny means so much.”

The staff members, who ranged from 16 to 69, were allowed the free use of Thame Leisure Centre's pool for the swimming section of the inaugural event. 

They then moved on to Thame’s Phoenix Trail for the bike and run elements.

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This triathlon is one of numerous fundraising efforts the chocolate company has organised in support of Thomley.

Anna Capitani-Dutton, Thomley service manager, said, “Thomley would like to say a massive thank you to the wonderful Rumsey’s tribe for undertaking such a challenge on our behalf.

"The Rumsey’s superstars have gone above and beyond pushing themselves mentally and physically to raise much needed funds for Thomley."