A LAWYER is gearing up for a gruelling four-day 300-mile cycle challenge from London to Paris to raise money for charity.

Richard Connolly, partner at Kidderminster law firm MFG Solicitors, will be saddling up for the bike ride from July 17 to 21.

The commercial property legal specialist hopes to tackle the entire route of the event by pedalling between 80 to 90 miles a day to raise £2,000 in aid of Worcester’s St Richard’s Hospice.

A keen cyclist, Mr Connolly will travel from the Kent countryside to Dover before crossing the Channel to northern France, where he will pass the war memorial and cemeteries of the Somme before arriving at the finish line beneath the Eiffel Tower.

“It is going to be a daunting challenge but I’m really looking forward to taking part in the event,”

he said.

“Training has been going well and despite a hectic work schedule I am trying to cycle 75 to 100 miles every week.I am confident that I will make it to the finish line in one piece and can’t wait for the challenge now as it’s only weeks away.

“St Richard’s Hospice is such great cause,and does so much for so many patients and their families across Worcestershire. I couldn’t think of a better cause to raise money for and I’m really grateful to everyone who has supported me so far.”

St Richard’s Hospice is one of the charities chosen by employees at Kidderminster law firm MFG to support for 2013 and Mr Connolly will be footing his own travel and hotel costs on the trip.

Jodi Brandwood, St Richard’s Hospice fund-raiser, added: “We think it is fantastic that Richard is taking part in the London to Paris event to raise much-needed funds for the hospice. Richard and his colleagues at MFG Solicitors are great supporters of the hospice and we are thankful for all they are doing for us.”

People looking to support Mr Connolly can give a donation online through justgiving.com/ Richard-Connolly1