Wigan woman to cycle from London to Paris

Caroline Hughes, 36, will ride from the English to French capital this summer in aid of Heartlift, a Bolton-based Christian charity which supports young people.

Having seen the charity’s hard work first-hand through her friendship with founder Andrea Wood, Caroline felt a desire to help raise awareness of their cause and raise some money in the process.

“They’re a great network of people and offer a fantastic service,” she said.

She will spend three days cycling through picturesque France before finishing the journey underneath the lights of the Eiffel Tower.

To prepare, Caroline has been hitting the gym three to four times a week to build her stamina for the 283-mile slog.

But Caroline, from Ashton, is no stranger to the challenge. The 36-year-old was inspired to take on the ride after previously completing the same event in 2006.

“I’m absolutely excited for it,” Caroline said.

“I remember from 2006 that the views are absolutely stunning. It was beautiful. The route they map out is breathtaking.”

Caroline is not the only Wiganer to saddle up for the gruelling cross-continental trip.

Stuart Shelmerdine, from Hawkley Hall, will pedal the near 300-miles in September, in memory of his brother-in-law Victor Leonard who died in January 2017.

Caroline’s chosen charity, Heartlift, is a Christian organisation working at ground level to support and offer care to the most vulnerable in society.

The deadline to sponsor Caroline is May 14. To get involved or to find out more, visit crowdfunder.co.uk/london-2-paris.

To find out more about the work that Heartlift do, visit heartlift.co.uk