A DOTING dad eager to support a cause close to his son’s heart will give up four days next autumn to cycle from London to Paris.

Lawrence Hunter, 28, from Taw Hill will be taking to the saddle of his newly-bought road bike to take part in the Cycle London to Paris event in aid of The National Autistic Society.

The event comes hot on the heels of an overnight bike ride in London last year, which saw him peddle his way through 100km before sunrise in aid of the same charity.

He revealed he had been spurred on to further support The National Autistic Society and its work by stepping up his game.

He faces a route of almost 300 miles from one capital city to the other over a period of four days in September 2016.

He said: “I thought it would be a good gesture if I continued to support the charity.

“My son has a number of complex issues, and a friend of my son also suffers from autism, so I thought it would be nice to support the charity.

“Now I have just under a year to pull my socks up and get training.”

With work commitments and childcare he is squeezing his training into weekend sessions at the moment and is slowly building on the distance he cycles.

He said: “I am trying to build it up gradually, so I am doing about 10 miles a day. Over the next couple of months I will build it up and do further distances.

“Last year I did the night ride by myself, and it is nice to be doing this ride alone too – that way you don’t have to keep up with anyone or wait for someone to keep up with you, although there will be lots of other people taking part in the ride itself.”

In the night ride last year, Mr Hunter ended up renting a road bike, but this year he has treated himself to his very own bike, and has been busy getting used to his new set of wheels.

“I will be looking for more challenges if this one goes well, perhaps the next one for me will be Land’s End to John O’Groats,” he said.

Mr Hunter is hoping to raise at least £600 on his cross-channel adventure.

He would also be keen to hear from any sponsors who might like to support him on his way.

To make a donation, visit virginmoneygiving.com/lawrencehunter.