BRADFORD on Avon cycling enthusiast Ben Howard is hoping to cycle from London to Paris to raise over £2,000 for Macmillan cancer support after his father and grandfather died of the disease.

Mr Howard, 28 of Avon Close, will be cycling the 310 mile journey in July over four days and hopes that the money raised will add to national fundraising efforts for the charity which is close to his heart.

Mr Howard said: “I lost my father and grandfather to cancer and my mum is also currently living with breast cancer so I have been quite involved with Macmillan for a while and they have been absolutely fantastic and I really enjoy cycling so I thought that would be the best way to give something back.”

The customer adviser at Topps Tiles was also inspired to take part in the event to celebrate losing five stone after another heartbreak.

Mr Howard added: “I had just broken up with my girlfriend and I had the attitude that I am what I am and people will have to accept it but then I had a thought and decided that I needed to do something about my weight and I did.”

In terms of training for the event, he will be cycling 50 miles at least once a week along with his other gym classes which he attends four times a week at Castle Place Leisure Centre in Trowbridge.

The gym will also be helping Mr Howard’s fundraising efforts by holding an Open Evening on April 22 to give people the opportunity to try taster sessions with a suggested donation.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/Ben-Howard3 or text BEN67 to 70070.