WHEN Barry Moult's son Daniel suggested they do the London to Paris cycle ride in aid of charity, it seemed like a good idea.

So he signed up even though he didn't have a bike or had cycled for more than a decade.

But then it transpired Daniel could not sign up in advance because of changes in his job - leaving Barry to do the journey alone.

Barry, who is 59 and the head of information governance and health records with the Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust, said: "My son is an anaethetist and he is changing his job in March.

"He left it so late to sign up, there was no spaces left.

"I hadn't ridden a bike since 2003 and I only got one three weeks ago."

Barry will be joining about 40 others in the charity cycle ride and he hopes to raise £1,500 to be shared between the Cancer Centre Campaign and West Suffolk Hospital Charity's Forget-Me-Not Dementia Campaign.

Barry said: "My plan to raise money is through shameless begging."

The ride is due to take five days with the cyclists aiming to cover 85 miles on the first day.

Barry is looking forward to reaching his destination to which he has a sentimental attachment.

"I proposed to my wife, Lynn, in Paris 40 years ago in June.

"We are arranging to go back to Paris but we will take the train."

To support Barry's fundraising, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving and search for John Barry Moult.