Mark pedals to Paris for St Barnabas

* Update - we are delighted to report that Mark completed is bike ride and arrived safely in Paris on Saturday 16 June. Thank you Mark! *

Mark Arnold, 40, from Worthing has set himself the challenge of cycling 300 miles to Paris on 13 June to raise funds for St Barnabas House, in memory of his father who was cared for by the hospice ten years ago.

Said Mark, 'I will be doing the London to Paris bike ride in memory of my Dad, Trevor Vaughan Arnold, and in aid of St Barnabas House hospice who cared for him in such a special way in his last few days. I promised myself I would always support St Barnabas in whatever way possible. The care they have provided and continue to provide to countless people is so amazing and inspirational.'

Mark is funding the trip himself so that every penny he raises will go directly to helping the hospice. He has been training for about 14 weeks, mainly at weekends. He will be joining a group of around 100 people, all raising money for charity, and has taken part in a few rides with Worthing Excelsior cyclists to get used to riding in a group.

Mark is looking forward to the whole experience, particularly arriving in the centre of Paris on the afternoon of Saturday 16 June and riding along the Champs Elysees. 'Paris holds funny memories of a family holiday driving round Paris trying to find the Eiffel Tower so I will be celebrating by sitting underneath the Eiffel Tower with a cold beer in memory of my Dad.

'As a novice cyclist and someone who is normally allergic to exercise, this is a great personal challenge for me, but it is such a small thing to do when you have experienced first-hand the amazing care the staff at St Barnabas provide in such difficult circumstances - they are inspirational!'

If you would like to support Mark, please visit his JustGiving page - www.justgiving.com/Mark-Arnold40