Christine's Paris cycle challenge

It's Paris or bust for Uxbridge woman Christine Barker, who is undertaking a London to Paris cycle ride in aid of two different charities - Arthritis Research and the British Lung Foundation.

The ride is due to start from London on Friday, June 27 and will finish 300KM and three gruelling days later at the Eiffel Tower in the French capital.

Christine said: "I have previously only been a fair weather cyclist. However, having spent the last few months cycling in all sorts of conditions I am really excited about completing the challenge, although a little apprehensive."

Christine is participating in this event in memory of her husband Terry who in died in August 2006 from pulmonary fibrosis but suffered terribly with arthritis in the latter part of his life.

Christine explained: "Although many people will know the debilitating effects and pain that is caused by arthritis not many know about pulmonary fibrosis and how severely it affects the lungs. Currently there is no known cure for either of these conditions. Having seen at first hand the suffering these conditions can cause, it is really important to me to help raise as much as money as possible to help find a cure."

Currently Christine has raised over £3,000 pounds for her chosen charities but says more would be fantastic as every single penny really counts. So, if you would like to support one or both of these causes please visits:

British Lung Foundation: http://www.justgiving.com/ourpalterry

Arthritis Research Campaign: http://www.justgiving.com/4terrybarker