Jason Sessions and Steve Lawrence will ride more than 300 miles for charity (Credit: Saint Francis Hospice)
Jason Sessions, 50, and Steve Lawrence, 54, signed up for the four-day adventure so they could challenge themselves while helping the charity, which provides end of life care and support to local people.
They will travel through picturesque English countryside, cross the Channel and continue through villages and medieval market towns in Northern France before arriving in Paris.
“I have had a passion for cycling from a young age and have spent many years exploring forests as a mountain biker and taken my children on various cycling adventures,” said Jason, who works as a technology specialist.
“Recently I moved back to road cycling and started to explore the Essex lanes again.
“With the pandemic, Stephen and I decided to start cycling a couple of times a week to take away the boredom of lockdown and get us out and about.
“We heard about the Paris ride and decided this would be a great idea as it would be something to aim for as well as supporting a good cause.
“My family has very strong ties to the Hospice. Members of the family have volunteered at the Hospice and the charity was there to support both my brother-in-law and father-in-law when times were needed.
“This is my first challenge in many years and looking forward to it.”
Steve got into cycling following the first lockdown in March 2020.
“I wanted a challenge for myself so I could focus on something positive whilst working from home and also make some form of contribution to the local community,” said Steve, who works for SS&C in Brentwood.
“Training is going well – we’re up to 60-mile trips – I’ve come a long way as I used to get puffed out after 5-miles!
“I am looking forward to seeing the French countryside and a large glass of red wine on arrival!”
To support Jason visit his JustGiving page here. Stephen’s can be found here.
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Tags: Havering, Charity, Saint Francis Hospice, Gidea Park