The Merlin MS Centre in St. Austell is the only therapy centre for people with Multiple Sclerosis and other neurological conditions in the county. Cornwall has the highest rate of MS  in mainland Britain. Unfortunately, they receive no Government funding so are reliant on the local community to raise funds. Their annual operational costs are now £374,000 and last year they subsidised nearly £100,000 worth of therapy services, including physiotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen treatments. 

Living with MS or any neurological condition presents daily challenges. Over the last few years I have set myself several running, swimming and cycling challenges but to date, these have all been pretty much about 'me'! I have now decided to embark upon a charitable challenge for the wonderful local charity where Lucy works, an extended family for her and all the service users there. I hope that by cycling to Paris, I will raise much needed funds for them as that will keep my wife happy!!!. It's time to do my bit!

Starting in London, the 299 mile, 4 day route will take me through glorious English countryside, to the ferry from Dover to Calais. Once ‘French side’,  I will push on cycling along quiet French country lanes, through traditional market towns with views of the rolling green hills of northern France as fast as I can! Records are there to be broken!

Day 1 – Kent to Dover. Ferry to Calais. Distance – 73 miles

Day 2 – Cycle to Arras through charming villages and along quiet country lanes. Distance – 80 miles

Day 3 – Cycle to Compiegne passing numerous WWI memorials and monuments through the Region of the Somme. Distance – 74 miles

Day 4 – Cycle to Paris, up the Champs-Élysées, round the Arc de Triomphe and finish overlooking the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero Gardens.  Distance – 68 miles.

Simple.