AN Alvechurch man will be setting off on a four day cross channel cycle challenge from Worcester Cathedral to Notre Dame in Paris on September 18 in memory of his late mother-in-law.

Paul Stanfield, 43, is raising money for St Richard’s Hospice as a thank you for the care of his mother-in-law Jane Tooby.

Mr Stanfield, a counsellor, is currently training about 140 miles a week with one long ride of 50 miles at a weekend. He has previously completed a number of long cycle rides and is a keen runner.

He said: “I have been married to Jane's daughter, Nina, for 16 years and within the family for 18 years. Having Jane as a surrogate mum, who was prepared to support, praise, advise and even criticise, has been invaluable. I visited Jane many times in the last few weeks of her life, including sitting quietly while she had some rest the day before she died. This is for me the only way I can express my feelings for Jane and raise money for this caring hospice.”

St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and supports their families.

Each year the hospice team supports over 2,400 patients and family members in Worcestershire. For more information, visit www.strichards.org.uk and to sponsor Mr Stanfield, see www.justgiving.com/Paul-Stanfield.