AFTER inspiring thousands of people to support a children’s charity she works for, one Trowbridge fundraising manager is taking to two wheels to raise funds herself.

Tracey Edwards, of Hilperton Road, cycled 275 miles from London to Paris along with pal Felicity Warwood Hart last weekend in a bid to raise £3,000 to help save and change children’s lives.

After seven years working for Action Medical Research, the UK-wide children’s charity, Mrs Edwards was inspired to join the annual ride to the French capital at the end of last week.

Having completed a shorter 80-mile ride prior to the main cycle, the pair said they felt more than prepared tackling the gruelling cross-country distance.

“Every day I ask great things of my incredible volunteers and committees who are always so supportive and now it's time for me to ask something of myself,” Mrs Edwards, 51 said.

“I have the great privilege of working for this amazing charity and can see first-hand the difference our research is making. My struggle on a bike is nothing compared to the struggles that daily life presents to the children and families affected by the conditions Action's research is funding.”

Action Medical Research’s London to Paris ride, which is in its 16th year, finished in Paris on Saturday with cyclists riding in convoy down the Champs Élysées to the Eiffel Tower the day before the iconic Tour de France race ended along the same streets.

Mrs Warwood Hart, 47, a primary school teacher at Walwayne Court School added: “While training at times has been hard, it has also been liberating, and knowing we’re doing it for such a good cause kept us on track.”

Action Medical Research helps find pioneering treatments for life-changing conditions and the charity is currently funding research into meningitis, Down syndrome, epilepsy and premature birth.

To donate, visit www.action.org.uk/sponsor/traceyandfelicity.