Barclaycard Employees Cycle Across America for Charity

WILMINGTON, Del., Sept. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Barclays (NYSE: BCS) today announced the Barclaycard USA Cycle Challenge, in which eight Barclaycard employees from the US and UK will embark on a seven-week, 3,250-mile cross-country bicycle ride to raise more than $250,000 for six American, British and international charities. The riders will depart San Diego, CA, on Saturday, September 29, and will arrive in St. Augustine, FL, on Wednesday, November 14. Individuals and corporations wishing to learn more about the Challenge or make contributions may do so online at http://www.barclaycardusacyclechallenge.co.uk.

The Barclaycard Cycle Challenge was inspired by Jane Tomlinson, a UK native with terminal breast cancer who cycled across the United States in 2006. Tomlinson, who recently succumbed to the disease on September 3, was awarded the title of CBE, or Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in June 2007 for organizing and participating in numerous fund raising events that generated more than $3.55 million for cancer research.

"I'm personally excited about my fellow Barclaycard colleagues undertaking a challenge of this scale, and applaud the ambitious fundraising goals they've set. I fully expect the event to be a huge success and hope that it can make a measurable difference for the fine charities the riders have chosen," said Antony Jenkins, Chief Executive of Barclaycard. "The Barclaycard USA Cycle Challenge is a perfect example of what a global organization can achieve when many different and diverse parts join together for a single purpose -- in this case, improving the health and well-being of people who live in the communities where we do business."

Barclaycard is underwriting the team's transportation, food and lodging expenses throughout the cross-country trip, so that all money raised will directly benefit the six charities, which include:

-- The East Side Charter School -- Donations will go to equipping a new computer learning center, including computers, networking equipment, Internet access and software, for an innovative school designed to serve traditionally underserved children in Wilmington, DE. http://www.active.com/donate/CycleChallengeESCS -- Care and Share Food Bank -- Distributes more than six million pounds of food annually to programs benefiting the elderly, sick, working poor, homeless, children living in poverty and others in a 31-county area in southern Colorado. -- BBC Children In Need Appeal -- Positively changes the lives and prospects of children and young people living in the UK who have suffered hardships, difficulties or disadvantages. -- Macmillan Cancer Support -- Improves the lives of people affected by cancer, providing practical, medical, emotional and financial support, and advocating better cancer care in the UK. -- Alzheimer's Society -- The UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia, their families and caregivers. -- CORD -- An international humanitarian organization working with displaced people and communities affected by violent conflicts worldwide.

The eight participants in the 2007 Barclaycard USA Cycle Challenge, who come from within all ranks of the Barclaycard organization, include:

    -- Ned Buchman (Wilmington, DE) -- Director, Bank-wide Business Support,
       Barclaycard US
    -- Tim Carlier (Northampton, England) -- Commercial Director, Barclaycard
       Business
    -- Christine Chadwick (Macclesfield, England) -- Marine Sales Manager,
       Barclays Marine Finance
    -- Genevieve De Winter (Northampton, England) -- Barclaycard Graduate
       Programme
    -- Bruce Ellis (London, England) -- Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs
    -- Jim Roberts (Northampton, England) -- Public Affairs Manager, Chief
       Marketing Office
    -- Andy Robinson (Northampton, England) -- Senior Relationship Manager,
       Commercial Cards
    -- Caroline Sanders (Northampton, England) -- Reporting Analyst, UK Cards
       Finance

The cross-country course follows the Adventure Cycle Association of America's Southern Tier route, which traverses California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. The team will cycle an average of six to eight hours per day, covering 70 to 100 miles per day, across mountains as high as 6,200 feet above sea level, through the arid desert heat and finally through humidity from the Gulf of Mexico.

"In 2004, several Barclaycard UK employees cycled the length of the UK, from north to south, and raised more than $100,000 for charity. This year, the team was looking for a bigger challenge, and after reading about Jane Tomlinson's heroic voyage, we were all inspired to follow her example," said Team Leader Tim Carlier. "The team will have to overcome tremendous physical and mental challenges every day, but knowing that our effort will raise awareness and funds for these important organizations will help us through the tough times."

In addition to its employee-generated contributions, Barclays has already raised more than $200,000 through generous corporate sponsorships from Acxiom, Avaya, Charles Wells Pub Company, Comet, Communisis, Direct Group, EMC, Fox Murphy, Gola Sport, Ingenico, International Passenger Protection, Pittsford Cycles, RR Donnelley, Specialized, Sports Specifics, System Engineering Services, Transaction Network Services, TransUnion, Tritium, TSYS, Visa, Walker Media and World Courier.

About Barclays PLC

Barclays PLC is a major global financial services provider engaged in retail and commercial banking, credit cards, investment banking, wealth management and investment management services. It is one of the largest financial services companies in the world by market capitalization. With over 300 years of history and expertise in banking, Barclays operates in over 50 countries and employs over 127,000 people. Barclays moves, lends, invests and protects money for over 25 million customers and clients worldwide. For further information about Barclays, please visit our website http://www.barclays.com.

Headquartered in Wilmington, DE, Barclays U.S. credit card business has more than 50 partnerships with some of the country's most successful travel, entertainment, retail and financial institutions including US Airways, AirTran Airways, Frontier Airlines, Midwest Airlines, Carnival Cruise Lines, BJ's Wholesale Club, Travelocity, Gulf Oil, and others. The company employs more than 1,400 associates in Wilmington and Colorado Springs, CO, and was named a Top Employer in Delaware in 2007. For more information please visit http://www.barclaycardus.com.