A CONVENIENCE store worker will be trading his uniform for Lycra as he sets off on a charity cycle trek.

On Monday, August 24, Paul Wilson of Sonning Common, in South Oxfordshire, will be donning his Lycra to cycle from his home town to Swindon, to raise funds for Parkinson's UK.

Paul and his friend Bradley Lawrence will cycle the 55 miles in memory of Paul’s grandfather, Richard Willis-Dixon, who had Parkinson’s.

“I’m supporting Parkinson’s UK in memory of my Grandad who passed away in 2011," said determined 27-year-old, Paul.

"The charity helped support my family through it all, which I’m very grateful for.”

Paul and Bradley are both employees of The Co-operative Food in Sonning Common.

And Paul said the company had been really supportive of their fundraising effort.

“Parkinson’s UK is our nominated charity in store at the moment," he said.

"We also held a cake sale in the shop last Sunday to further our fundraising, through which we garnered £342.”

So far Paul and Bradley have raised £892. And the pair hope to hit their target of £1,500 by the day of the cycle.

Paul Jackson-Clark, director of fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, said their efforts would help thousands of people.

"I’d like to wish Paul and Bradley the very best of luck with their challenge," he said.

"I hope their story will inspire others to sign up for one of our other fundraising events that happen throughout the year.

"As the UK’s Parkinson’s support and research charity, we’re leading the work to find a cure, and we’re closer than ever; but our work is dependent on donations."

The funds raised will allow Parkinson’s UK to continue with its vital research work to find a cure, and improve the lives of the 127,000 people living in the UK who are affected by the disease, she said.

For further information on events taking place in the local area visit www.parkinsons.org.uk/events or email fundraising@parkinsons.org.uk.

And to sponsor Paul, visit his online giving page at www.justgiving.com/coopsonning.