A FORMER serviceman from Worcester will embark on a gruelling challenge this summer to raise funds for a military charity.

 Mike Archer, 31, has entered the London to Paris bike ride, a 300-mile event that begins at Crystal Palace and ends at the Eiffel Tower.

 Mike hopes to raise more than £1,500 for Help for Heroes, a charity close to his heart.

 He was inspired to take part after his colleague took part in the 2017 edition. After travelling to Paris to cheer on his friend past the finish line, Mike instantly wanted to take part in 2018.

 “I thought to myself 'what a great way to raise awareness, and what a great way to do something rewarding'," he said.

“Help for Heroes does so much for those in need, and I have friends who have used their facilities and said how they have helped current and former service personnel at times of darkness.”

 Mike has previously never taken part in a long distance challenge, and is a relatively late newcomer to the world of cycling. But having spent a small fortune on a road bike and equipment, he has already started training for July’s event.

 He said: “I started training a couple of months ago, and I can do around 60 miles in a day. But I think 300 miles across four-five days will be a shock to the system.

“I am getting a bit nervous about it, it is daunting, and it won’t be kind on the body, but I am thinking of the bigger picture.”

 The ride starts in Croydon On Wednesday, July 25 and finish in Paris on Sunday, July 29.

 To sponsor Mike, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/michaelarcherl2p