MP tries on nail varnish and bankers get on bikes for Red Nose Day (From This Is Local London)

Kingston MP Edward Davey tries on nail varnish and bankers get on their bikes for Comic Relief Red Nose Day

6:30am Tuesday 19th March 2013 in News By Jon Sharman, Reporter

Big-hearted fundraisers across the borough celebrated Red Nose Day last week with bike rides, zumbathons, and more, raising hundreds of pounds for Comic Relief.

Staff at NatWest in Kingston cycled a total of 135 miles on an exercise bike loaned by The Gym in Eden Street, and raised more than £370, which will be doubled by the bank.

Banking hall manager Emma Wilson said: “It was brilliant. That is literally just from the public donating. It was quite good because we had people come in from their day off.”

Kingston and Surbiton MP Edward Davey got in on the action by visiting Kingston College’s hair and beauty apprentices.

He said: “I was delighted to be able to meet some of our local apprentices and to take part in their Red Nose Day activities at the same time.

“The red nail varnish really wasn’t my colour but the red hair wig was something else.”

Inspired by Britain’s Olympic cycling heroes, Jack Howorth, 10, and Tom Greggains, 9, battled foul weather to raise nearly £2,000 on a 27-mile ride.

Accompanied by dads David Howorth and Les Greggains, they rode from through Kingston on their way from Richmond to Windsor, and were met at Windsor Bridge by their mums and sisters.

Tom said: “It was really hard because there was a lot of rain and there was a lot of wind. It took us about four-and-a-half hours.”

A “Zumbathon” held in Chessington by Calasara Fitness raised £387.

Co-owner Calvin Avery said: “It was really good - we had a lot of kids there dancing. The next Red Nose Day will be even bigger.”