TWO keen cyclists are getting into gear for an upcoming charity ride that will see them cover nearly 500km in four days.

Jamie Sanderson and 15-year-old Reuben Elcock from Weymouth are cycling from London to Paris in July in aid of the Multiple Scoliosis Trust, a charity very close to their hearts.

Reuben's mum, Jane, was diagnosed with MS three years ago and Jamie recently had a good friend of his diagnosed therefore, the pair are determined to raise as much money as possible and have set themselves a target of £4,000.

Reuben said: "The thought of riding from London to Paris may seem a crazy thing to do, and at times I am asking myself what am I doing. My first fundraising event was on Friday, June 19 at Hair Visions in Bere Regis where I had my legs waxed. It was the most painful thing I have done and I can't say that I enjoyed the experience, but it was worth it to raise money for the MS Trust.

"I want to raise money for the MS Trust as my mum was diagnosed with MS in 2012 and so I know first hand what a horrid disease it is. Your donation will go to helping to finding a cure for this disease and helping my mum and others like my mum have a better and brighter future."

So far, the pair have raised just over £500.

Jamie said: "I first met Reuben and his mum Jane a couple of years ago, and as then Jane continues to amaze me with her strong, positive outlook on life. Her life has clearly been affected by MS, but with her inspiring attitude MS does not define who Jane is but appears to be something to be ignored, cast aside and not let it dominate her life. When first asked to help Reuben, I hesitated until another good friend of mine, Emma Spurgin, was recently diagnosed with MS.

"Emma is a great mum to Maddy and is at the early stages of diagnosis which must be a scary and daunting experience to say the least. She's another strong willed woman who won't let anything stop her doing the things she wants to do. Both are truly inspiring individuals and the MS Trust helps people like Jane and Emma through assisting them, health professionals and funding research into new ways to assist this condition."

Jamie has also organised a 'family illuminated bike ride’ where children and parents can decorate their bikes with lights for £1.

The family bike ride is at Weymouth Park and Ride on Saturday, February 13 from 6pm.

For more information or to donate visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ReubenElcock or visit the Facebook site Weymouth Kids On Bikes.

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