A TROWBRIDGE couple will get on their bikes for a 185-mile ride in aid of children’s charity Barnardo’s.

David Dutchman, a worker for the charity, is joining his partner, Katie Seymour, who is an assistant project manager at Invensys Rail in Chippenham, as part of a team of 23 riders being sponsored to travel from London to Paris this month.

The riders hope to raise more than £11,000 between them.

The journey starts on August 31 and the team is due to arrive in Paris on September 2.

The couple, both 26, of Bradford Road, hope to raise at least £1,000 for Barnardo’s, which is responsible for the Tapestry intensive family support project in Trowbridge and the Corsham Sure Start Children’s Centre in Kings Avenue.

Mr Dutchman, a management information officer for the charity, said: “Katie was the first to sign up for the event and I only decided to join her when we were in the shop looking for bikes.

“I thought I’d get a bike as well and just go for it.

“Sometimes it can be difficult keeping up with Katie, as she’s already completed several half-marathons, and it can be tough finding the time to train, but we’re still enthusiastic.

“I’m now cycling to work in Bristol once a week and Katie is sometimes cycling to work in Chippenham and coming back via Avebury, but it’s still not as far as we’ll be travelling along parts of the route.

“However, it will all be worth it when we get off our bikes for a nice cold beer in Paris.

“We’ll have completed a great challenge while supporting Barnardo’s fantastic work with vulnerable and disadvantaged children.”

David and Katie can be sponsored at the charity donations website www.justgiving.com/ DavidDutchman.