A GROUP of students will take to the saddle to raise cash for a centre that supports people with learning difficulties.

Sam Lewis and Liam Hughes, vice-presidents of the University of Worcester’s Student Union, together with Fraser Carter and Matt Sheppard, members of the Student Union cycling club, will cycle 450 miles in seven days from London to Amsterdam to raise funds for Worcester Snoezelen.

Mr Hughes was inspired to support the charity, which provides a multi-sensory environment for people with severe learning difficulties, after visiting its centre in Turnpike Close, St John’s.

He said: “They were the University of Worcester’s charity of the year so I spent some time investigating what they do and how they contribute to the community. I sat in on a few of the sessions and realised what they’re doing is really good and helps a lot of people.

“They need a substantial amount of money every year to keep going and by aiming to raise £5,000, we’re hoping we can help them.

“The thought of cycling from London to Amsterdam is really exciting. It’s a big challenge and all the lads are training hard. A lot of people do London to Paris so we wanted to do something a bit different and go a bit further.”

The team has already raised £1,000 in shirt sponsorship and spaces are still available for businesses that would like to contribute.

The Green Bike Comp-any has also donated a bike for the challenge worth £600.

The team will set off on Sunday, May 22. To sponsor them visit justgiving.com/snoezelen-cycle. For enquiries e-mail liam.hughes@worc.ac.uk.