A COMMUNITY midwife at Kidderminster Hospital is cycling from London to Paris to raise money for a blood cancer charity.

Deborah Riley, from Bewdley, and her children Katie, Jake and Neve will be hopping on their bikes this September in support of charity Bloodwise.

Team Riley will be tackling the gruelling London to Paris challenge in memory of Deborah’s father, who lost his life to a rare form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

Deborah, who is looking forward to the ride, despite her lack of cycling experience, said: “We are all training hard for this physical challenge which I will find especially difficult as I haven’t ridden a bicycle since I was a teenager.”

Deborah was inspired to take on the challenge after watching her daughter Katie complete it last year.

She added: "It was the most incredible experience. The atmosphere was amazing.

"There were so many inspirational people taking part and many moving stories from those whose lives have been affected by blood cancer.

"We decided there and then that we would all take part in the 2019 ride.

"Our lovely dad and grandad had a very rare form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. With research and funding it may be possible to find a cure for other sufferers of this cruel disease."

In anticipation of the event, the family are holding a bring and buy sale, running a summer raffle and organising a charity gig in Bewdley as Jake is a local performer - all in the hope of raising £1,500 each for Bloodwise.

The Rileys are also asking for donations of prizes for the summer raffle. To donate or to contact the family about raffle prizes, visit justgiving.com/debbie-riley4.