A CARE worker is taking on the London to Paris bike ride challenge in memory of his mother-in-law.

Martin Hill, 37, from Steeple View, Laindon, will ride the London to Paris bike ride in July for Penny Brohn Cancer Care, which looked after his mother-in-law, Hazel, who suffered with multiple myeloma – a type of bone marrow cancer.

Martin will ride 300 miles over four days and will finish the event by riding up the Champs Elysees.

In 2008, Martin had planned to follow the Tour de France with his then girlfriend, Verity, and he planned to propose in Paris, after the world famous race.

Martin had asked Verity’s parents’ permission to marry her and was given their consent, something that meant a lot to him, but Verity’s mum, Hazel, lost her battle with cancer before Martin proposed.

Martin said: “Sadly Hazel didn't get to see the proposal because she passed away just 12 days before, but she did know it was happening as I had asked Hazel and Barry’s permission to propose, something I am so glad that I did.”

Verity, 36, said: Mum was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 1999 and Penny Brohn Cancer Care helped her immensely in the years following her diagnosis.

“Myeloma is a type of bone marrow cancer which destroys bone and damages the kidneys, and it cannot yet be cured.

“My mum was told that the best she could hope for using existing drugs was a life expectancy of seven years.

“This period was exceeded and this was in no small way due to Penny Brohn Cancer Care for their help, guidance and support.

“The charity is very close to my heart and so I am very proud of my husband for choosing this charity to raise money for. It means a lot to me and my family.”

Now six years on Martin wants to finally complete his challenge of taking part in the London to Paris bike ride in memory of Hazel and to raise money for the Penny Brohn which made such a difference to Hazel’s life.

Martin said: “There isn’t a better way to celebrate, honour and remember Hazel’s achievements than by raising money for Penny Brohn Cancer Care who helped Hazel change her mindset and outlook post diagnosis which undoubtedly helped Hazel beat multiple myeloma for nine years.”

Martin has set up a just giving page. To find out more or to donate, visit justgiving.com/Martin-Hill- LondontoParis/