Paris cycle challenge to mark hospice's 20 years

ROTHERHAM Hospice is marking its 20th anniversary year with a 345-mile cycle from London to Paris.

There are just 50 places available for the challenge, which takes place between September 27 and October 2 and takes in Rotherham’s twin town St Quentin.

Keen cyclist Gareth Russell (36) was one of the first to sign up for the BIG20 ride, having completed a similar ride to the French capital in 2014 for the hospice.

He said: “It’s an amazing experience and I would encourage anyone thinking about a challenge for 2016 to sign up.

“The French roads are great for cycling, and all the cyclists ride into Paris together. It’s a fantastic atmosphere.

“Then there is the fundraising to take part in the challenge. I had great fun, with help from my mum, we did bag-packing, coffee mornings, raffles and more and raised £5,000.”

Visit rotherhamhospice.org.uk or call the fundraising team 01709 308917 to sign up. For those wishing to find out more, an information event will be held next Thursday (14) at the hospice at 6pm, with representatives from organisers Skyline.