Hermitage to Paris cyclists raise more than £5,000

A group of four cyclists have raised more than £5,000 for charity by cycling 300 miles from Hermitage to Paris.
The team, who are all from Hermitage, set off from the White Horse pub and returned from their cross-channel adventure four days later.
The money raised went towards three selected charities – the Air Ambulance, BASICS Hampshire pre-hospital volunteer emergency doctors, and the national charity, the British Institute for Brain Injured Children (BIBIC).
The trip was organised in part to thank the efforts of BASICS doctors for saving the life of Chris West, whose father works at the pub.
Mr West, who is still recovering after suffering serious injuries in a car crash in 2009, even navigated the first stage of the trip and rode the last two miles back to Hermitage.
One of the cyclists, White Horse landlord Neil Denton, admitted it was an emotional moment. He said: “It was an absolutely fantastic experience and to see Chris get on that bike was just incredible after what he’s been through.
“The hardest part of the trip for me was the continuous riding the first day then we had to face the challenge of the hills in France, which was gruelling, but I’d do it all again, definitely.”
The team consisted of Lily Howe (16), William Buglass (17), Giles Bennet (34), Mr Denton (62) and they were assisted by support driver Paul Crook (41).
Mr Denton said the team are already planning a tripnext year and have set their sights on cycling to Barcelona.