AN AMBITIOUS cyclist from Wrexham is getting ready to tackle his first major challenge as he prepares to cycle from London to Paris to raise money for Hope House Children's Hospices.

Dad-of-two Tristan Hird first set himself the challenge after taking up cycling as a new hobby during lockdown.

He said: "Throughout lockdown I really got into cycling with a neighbour of mine. Since then we decided to push ourselves and our training further and take on a challenge in aid of something. That's when I decided to do this to support Hope House."

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Setting off on Wednesday, July 19, Tristan will be joined by his neighbour and he hopes to raise as much as he can to support the hospice.

He added: "As a dad to two girls, I can't imagine how difficult it would be to find myself in a situation where I would need the services of this remarkable charity, but the work they do to help those in need is truly amazing."

He will be cycling 315 miles on a gruelling four-day route which is being completely self-funded.

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"I want to raise as much as I can through this challenge with every single penny going to Hope House," he said.

Hope House fundraiser, Vicky Bradbeer, said: "We are so grateful to Tristan for taking on this great challenge to help us raise funds to support every child and family who needs us.

"We need to raise £7.5 million every year to make sure we are here for those who need us, and without the great support our community and from people like Tristan we wouldn't be able to. We wish Tristan the best of luck, we'll all be cheering him on!"

If you would like to support Tristan, you can donate here