A MALVERN woman is riding her bike to France to help children with disabilities.

Fiona Ide, of West Malvern, is tackling a 300-mile challenge when she sets off from London to Paris next month in aid of Megan Baker House (MBH)

Mrs Ide, a former Worcester News and Malvern Gazette reporter, said: "It is a daunting prospect, but Megan Baker House does such amazing work that the exhaustion will be worth it.

"MBH provides free conductive education for children, teenagers and adults at their centre in Herefordshire, and they go out to help others in local schools all over the three counties. This charity is helping children do the things we take for granted, like walking."

The four-day trip will involve three lots of 80-miles and a final slog of 60 miles, ending up at the Eiffel Tower.

She has been training along the Malvern Hills and in surrounding areas to Malvern.

Mrs Ide said: "The training is going well and hopefully the event goes well too. Cycling to Paris will be an uphill struggle, but I'm sure it will be worth it in the end.

"Conductive education teaches children skills like head control, moving around independently, sitting unaided, walking, dressing, eating and drinking, personal hygiene and social and communication skills that are automatic for most people. It can mean the difference between a life with no prospects and one full of exciting possibilities like school, college and a career.

“It is a lifeline for families. Without any state help, Megan Baker House gives their children the chance to achieve their full potential.

“One of the most fantastic things is that this wonderful service is free. The more we raise, the more they can do. I am paying for my trip myself so that everything donated, however small, will be for the charity" she said.

She will commence the challenge on Wednesday, September 3.

To sponsor Mrs Ide, visit justgiving/Fiona-Ide

For more information on Megan Baker House visit meganbakerhouse.org.uk.