A GROUP of lecturers from Swindon College are getting on their bikes to raise money for several local charities in the summer.

On the last day of next term they will be setting off from the college and three days later they hope to arrive in Paris at the Champs-Élysées.

The team of eight, some of whom are relatively new to cycling, will be raising funds for both the Prospect Hospice and Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Adam Lincoln, 36, who works in the college’s automotives department, is one of those taking part in the challenge.

He said: “I think everyone is looking forward to it but we know it’ll be a bit of a challenge. What we want now though is for the weather to improve so we can get on with training.

“Some of us are regular cyclists but for some it is quite new. I am predominately a mountain biker so don’t do a lot of road riding normally. I am a little apprehensive. I’ve certainly never cycled this far before so don’t really know what to expect.”

Once they set off, the team, which is being supported by two other staff members, will cycle to Portsmouth.

They will then get an overnight ferry to France before hoping to reach the French capital two days later.

“We haven’t exactly decided where to go but we want to ride down the Champs-Élysées.

“A lot of us watch the Tour De France so it would be a dream to actually do it ourselves.

“Prospect and Wiltshire Air Ambulance are two very strong local charities which do a lot of fantastic work locally. The college is very keen on giving back to the community.”

Each member of the team is looking to raise £800 and the money they raise will be split equally between each charity.

Adam said: “The money will be split 50/50 but with a small amount taken for costs.

Swindon College have been fantastic in sponsoring us which will go on transport.

“We know it will each cost us a bit to buy the right gear but a small amount will be taken from the total for costs.

“The students have got involved in raising cash for us.

“We are now looking to see if there are any organisations which are able to provide corporate sponsorship, to have their name on the shirts or something similar.”

If anyone is able to provide sponsorship contact VictoriaCampbell@swindon.ac.uk.