A WOMAN from Iron Acton led a team of 88 cyclists from London to Paris during a four-day-charity bike ride.

The group raised over £160,000 for young cancer patients during the mammoth challenge, which saw them burn over 4400 calories every day whilst battling hill climbs and tyre punctures.

One participant even dislocated their shoulder during the challenge, which started in London on Wednesday, July 19 and ended at the Eiffel Tower on Saturday, July 22. 

The 88-strong team, who were raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust, was made up of members with varying levels of cycling experience - from fanatics to first-timers.

Vicki Mewse, 32, from Iron Acton, led the project, and told the Gazette that she was inspired to get involved after working with hundreds of fundraisers at the Teenage Cancer Trust as part of her job in the charity's events team.

She said: “Knowing so much about Teenage Cancer Trust's work and the support they offer young people with cancer has made getting motivated for training and fundraising easy.

“The teenagers are incredible, and deal with things no teenager should have to, with a resilience and strength that puts things into perspective.”  

“Cycling 300 miles to Paris was tough, but it really was nothing compared to what young people with cancer go through daily.

“When the hills got steep and my legs got tired I thought of the young people I've met over the years and kept going for them.

“The weather conditions were tough, but the team camaraderie and support never faltered.

“We were one big family, and many bonded over their shared experiences of loved ones facing cancer, which brought our team together and spurred us on even more." 

Andrew Pearson, 49, from London was another of the cyclists who decided to take on the challenge.

He made the decision to take part in his wife’s name, after she passed away from cancer two years ago.

She had previously worked on a Teenage Cancer Trust unit, where Andrew witnessed the difference the unit made to young people facing cancer. 

He said: “The cycle was a life-changing experience I will treasure forever.

“There was wind, rain, soreness, hunger, fatigue, hills, cows, tractors, and 300 miles, but riding through beautiful country lanes and stunning local villages with amazing people raising so much money for charity makes this an awe-inspiring event.

“As we arrived at the Eiffel Tower the sense of achievement and pride really hit home and I was full of tears.”

The amount raised so far by the team is enough to fund all the digital and IT services at the 28 specialist Teenage Cancer Trust units across the country for two years.

To find out more, visit www.teenagecancertrust.org/challenges or email challenges@teenagecancertrust.org. 

Find Vicky's Just Giving page here:

https://www.justgiving.com/mewselondon2paris2017

Find Andrew's Just Giving page here:

http://www.justgiving.com/Andrew-Pearson28