NESTLé workers have skydived, cycled, climbed and run to raise a record-breaking £430,000 for charity.

Staff from Nestlé sites across the UK, including York, have been united over the past year in trying to help the company’s chosen charity, Marie Curie Cancer Care.

A spokesman said since last April, about 5,000 employees had taken part in a range of activities to raise the money, which would provide 21,500 hours of home nursing care for terminally ill patients.

He said: “The final figure, which equates to £86 per employee, exceeds the original fundraising target by £180,000.”

He said staff at the York site had raised £111,000 of the overall figure. He said: “Employees in York helped smash the fundraising target by cake baking, sky diving, a raffle to name an Eddie Stobart lorry, a slowest bike race, car washing and running marathons to name just a few.”

Paul Grimwood, the York-born chief executive and chairman of Nestlé UK, said his colleagues have surpassed themselves with their fundraising achievements.

He said: “No stone as been left unturned as people from our factories and offices have organised charity events and challenges.

“Marie Curie Nurses do a truly inspirational job providing home care to terminally ill patients. I’ve been lucky enough to meet several of them throughout the year and have been lost for words when hearing about their dedication to their jobs and the impact they have on the lives of the people they care for.

“I’m really proud that all of our efforts have enabled Nestlé UK to make a significant contribution to help the charity’s work.”

Thomas Hughes-Hallett, chief executive of Marie Curie Cancer Care, said: “Thanks to everyone at Nestlé UK for raising this wonderful amount.

“We know that 65 per cent of people would prefer to spend their final days in the comfort of their own homes and Marie Curie Nurses enable them to do this. We are so grateful to each Nestlé employee who gave their time and effort to support this partnership helping to make it such a success.”