Dad from Fareham counting down weeks to charity cycle ride

Mark West, from Fareham, will cycle hundreds of miles to raise money for victims of terror attacks.

He has planned a journey to Europe to help those affected by the Paris attacks last November.

The 37-year-old will start his cycle challenge next month and will cover 293 miles in just 24 hours.

Leaving from the United Grand Lodge in London, Mark will cycle to Dover.

Once there he will have a 40-minute break before continuing on to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

He says: ‘I’ve done fundraising before for different charities.

‘But my children have been learning about the terror attacks in school.

‘They asked if there was anything we could do.’

Fundraising for several charities including the Red Cross and Wings of Life, Mark is aiming to raise around £20,000 from his cycle ride.

He adds: ‘I want to raise as much as possible. It will be hard work but I am excited.’

In preparation for the journey Mark will be on a strict diet and has a target training mileage of 150 miles a day.

He also plans to complete a second event in September, cycling from London to Italy in support of the terror victims in Europe.

To donate to Mark, visit his Just Giving page at crowdfunding.justgiving.com/mark-west-1