A BROMSGROVE chef went the extra mile for charity as he cycled from London to Paris to raise funds for a cancer charity close to his heart.

Paul Mawhinney, of Brueton Avenue, Aston Fields, began his 308-mile challenge in Croydon on Wednesday, September 13, passing from Dover into France.

Cycling through Calais, Arras, Compiegne, and onto Paris, the 50-year-old finished at the Eiffel Tower three days later, having raised £1624.50 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

He said: "I aimed to get to £1,000 initially so I am very happy with where I have got to.

“I wanted to raise the money for cancer support as there are a lot of people that I know through work or friends who have been touched by relatives who have had cancer.

“Twenty years ago my mom had breast cancer and the fight to find a cure for it is still on.

“I only started cycling this year with a local cycling club called V-Sprint. I turned 50 in May so off the back of that wanted to take on some new challenges.

“It was challenging at times and the changeable weather meant I got drenched one day.

“I have never been to Paris either so it was nice getting there to see the tip of the Eiffel Tower.

“It was definitely a tough experience at times but I think there was still a bit more left in the tank after!”