MORE than a dozen cyclists will ride from Southampton to Paris tomorrow in a bid to help deprived children across Hampshire.

Luke Newman and Joe Crook will be joined by 11 other hardy cyclists from Southampton when they set off on a 310–mile journey to the French capital.

The duo, from Testlands Support Project, based at Banister Primary School, hope to collect £7,000 from their ambitious challenge before they arrive in Paris on Thursday.

Since 2011 Testlands Support Project has been providing sport training and mentoring for children at schools across the city in all aspects of their lives.

Joe, 22, from Oakwood Drive, Lordswood, said: “I can’t wait to do it. It’s going to massive task but it will be worth it.

“The success at the end of it will be huge. Our work means so much to children across the city.”

The pair will be joined by fellow cyclists from Southampton Ryan Ship, Dan Annetts, Jon Webb, James Tomlin, Iain Salmon, Anthony Lloyd, Kimberley Cook, Danielle Hubbard, Jade Hubbard, Charlie Hellyar, Jordan Cook and Matt Hunt.

The peloton will begin their journey by cycling circuits around Southampton Common, Oakwood Primary School in Sandpiper Road, and Oasis Academy in Lordshill before setting off to Portsmouth Harbour – a total of 70 miles.

The next four days will be on the road from Le Havre to Paris, ending at the Eiffel Tower after cycling as much as 80 miles per day.

The group will also be packing bags at Sainsbury’s Lordshill today before they set off.

  • To make a donation to the cause go online at testlands-support-project.org.uk/ or email chairman@testlands-support-project.org.uk.