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A BCOT student is looking to use pedal power in order to pull in the pounds for a children’s hospice.

Tom Watts, a first-year learner on the National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, is taking part in the London to Paris bike ride with his father Steve, from June 24 to 27.

The pair hope to raise at least £3,000 for Demelza Hospice Care for Children in Kent, but they can’t do this without the generosity of friends, family and fellow students.

More than 200 people will be taking part in the bike ride, which will take four days and cover in excess of 300 miles.

Tom and his dad are members of Basingstoke’s Bike Users Group (BUG), which is run by BCOT tutor Alan Vallis.

They are both training hard for the ride to build their strength and fitness levels, riding between 30 and 40 miles during each training session.

Tom said: “My dad and I wanted the challenge of a long bike ride, so if we can do this and raise lots of money for such a worthwhile charity we will be really happy.

“We are lucky enough to have our bikes provided by North Hants Bikes, while McDonald’s in Newbury is sponsoring our water.”

Tom and his dad really need to get as much support as possible. If you would like to sponsor them, please visit www.justgiving.com/steve-tom  or e-mail Tom via you_what.666@hotmail.co.uk for further information.