A PARAMEDIC from Leigh will be leading a team of cyclists from London to Paris to raise money for Havens Hospices.

Paul Harvey, from Lymington Avenue, will be part of an 11-strong team peddling the 200 miles from the Tower of London to the French capital.

The group consists of paramedics and nurses from Southend and Basildon hospitals, and patient transport workers.

Paul, 46, said: “We have taken part in smaller cycle events for many years, but this really is the next step up. The group has been doing long-distance training, but the biggest problem we expect during the course is our bums!

“It will be tough getting on the saddle the next day after a long ride. The average age of the group is around 40, so it could be a bit harder.”

The team leave on Monday. To sponsor Paul and the group visit www.justgiving.

com/pumpfriction