Joe O’Connor (21) a former student at Notre Dame High School, Norwich, who lives near Bunwell, is cycling from London to Paris with two university friends to raise money for Help for Heroes, the charity supporting British Armed Forces wounded personnel.

They set off from Big Ben on Saturday, August 28, head for Newhaven and catch the ferry to Dieppe, then cycle on quiet roads to Paris, camping en-route, and aim to finish their 350-mile marathon at the Eiffel Tower on Wednesday September 1.

Joe and his colleagues, Paul Wakelin and Ali Tucker, have just completed the second year of their BA (Hons) QTS Physical Education course at the University of Bedfordshire. They have reached nearly half their target of £3000 and are planning an online auction to raise funds, which includes celebrity donations – a boxing glove from heavyweight champion David Haye, a signed football shirt from Chelsea’s John Terry and a signed Formula 1 hat from Red Bull driver, Mark Webber.

Joe O’Connor explained: “We all know people who are in the Army and decided to embark on this project and raise money for Help for Heroes to show our support for the soldiers in Afghanistan, many of whom are the same age as us.”

Joe has been going on regular 20-mile cycle rides from home in Bunwell as well as doing gym sessions at UEA. The trio has been sponsored by AJ Cycles in Bedford who provided discounted bikes and cycling clothing to help speed them on their way.

To donate money to the Help for Heroes London to Paris cycling marathon go to www.justgiving.com/studentcycle or email [email protected].

For more information contact Joe O’Connor on 07763 745825.