WILTSHIRE Police’s deputy chief constable Mike Veale is gearing up for a gruelling bike ride for charity.

He is taking part in an epic cycle challenge on Thursday, June 5 which will see him ride from London to Paris.

The 280-mile endurance feat is in aid of the Oncology Unit at Yeovil District Hospital where Mike’s wife received treatment for breast cancer last year.

Mike said: “I have never embarked upon such a physically challenging escapade in my adult life and neither have my four comrades who, remarkably, all volunteered to join in with the crusade.

“The treatment my family has received from the unit to date has been world class not only in terms of their humanity but, thankfully, exactly what was required to rid my wife of this horrible disease.

“We will never forget the kindness and warmth offered by so many.

“The NHS takes a lot of criticism but the people who work there are fantastic and have left us in no doubt the health service is something we should all be proud of.

“The support I have had throughout the training has been incredible and I would like to thank everyone in advance for their donations and kind words.”

For more information on the charity ride and to donate, log on to www.justgiving.com/mikeveale