A NOVICE bike rider cycled from London to Paris in four days to raise money in memory of his nan.

Daniel Salmon, 26, from Southend, began the 310-mile charity challenge from Selsdon Park Hotel, in Croydon, after six months of intensive training.

He was inspired to undertake the ride in aid of Havens Hospices by the care it gave his nan, Violet Pearman, who died a year ago.

Daniel said: “I wanted to do something positive in her memory while raising money forafantastic charity that is instrumental in the local community.

“Cycling is brand new to me, which was all part of the challenge. You’ve got to take yourself out of your comfort zone.”

Daniel, who works in London as a civil servant, averaged about 150 miles a week during his training, cycling for more than two hours every evening after work.

He added: “I had to change my whole lifestyle, and made a lot of sacrifices with diet and training. On Saturday mornings, I would be up at 6am to cycle for four or five hours, covering 80 or 90 miles.

“I have many great memories of the challenge–in particular cycling up the Champs-Elysees, round the Arc de Triomphe and finishing under the Eiffel Tower.”

Daniel has raised about £700 so far and hopes to reach a target of £1,000.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/ Daniel-Salmon