A 70-YEAR-OLD man who was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) is to hit the saddle and pedal his way cross-continent to Paris in order to raise money for a charity close to his heart - despite not having ridden a bike for at least a decade.

And he has been given the best possible start for his 300-plus miles adventure after members of his metal detecting group clubbed together to buy him a new set of wheels.

Pete Pearce said he wasn’t fazed by the challenge of cycling to Paris and was eager to support the MS Trust while he was still fit and able.

He said: “This really appealed to me, simply because while I am still able, and still consider myself to be fit enough, I can make a difference to peoples’ lives.”

He will embark upon the journey on July 20, 2016, with the ride planned to take four days, taking in a route down to Dover to cross the channel on a ferry to Calais before journeying down through France to Abbeville, Beauvais and finally into Paris. Their arrival in the French capital is set to coincide with the Tour de France.

“It is going to be absolutely fantastic,” said Pete. “I cannot believe that at the age of 70 I am tackling something like this.”

He has previously completed two London Marathons – and in one instance supported MS in honour of a friend who was an MS sufferer.

That family is now returning the favour to support him in his venture on two wheels.

He has set himself a £3,000 target and has already notched up more than £1,600.

Helping him on his way, members of the Wyvern Historical and Detecting Society clubbed together to buy Pete the bike that he would complete his challenge on.

Chairman Gary Clifford said: “The members have funded the bike because Pete is so well thought of among the society.”

It was through members at the club that they decided upon buying the bike from Dan’s Cycles on Manchester Road, Swindon, who supplied the new bike at a heavily discounted price for the members.

Pete added: “It means absolutely everything to me – of all the things I have done in my life, even being in the army, this is probably the biggest undertaking I will ever do, and quite possibly my last.

“With MS there is the possibility that I will deteriorate quite quickly, there may not be the chance to do anything like this again.”

After collecting the bike earlier this week he then rode the 12 miles home to Faringdon.

To make a donation to his efforts visit bit.ly/1O52aaN