A TEAM of keen cyclists from the New Era Fitness studios in Melksham are planning to ride around 160 miles (260km) for charity.

The nine-strong team led by DJ Hussey plan to cycle from Big Ben in London to the Eiffel Tower in Paris to raise funds for the Wiltshire-based charity Splash.

The three-day challenge will begin on Friday September 15 and will raise awareness of Splash, an independent charity originally set up by Wiltshire Police officers, which helps young children who are having a hard time.

All nine of the team train at the New Era Fitness Studios in Bowerhill, Melksham, under the watchful eye of Mr Hussey, a personal trainer.

They are mother and daughter, Judith and Amy Greenman, George Penny, Richard Hayes, Dawn Whiting, Michael Smith, husband and wife Ben and Rachel Bradshaw, and Sam Gooding. The support crew comprises Dawn’s husband, Steve Whiting, and Alison Hale.

He said: “This is the first big international challenge that we have held this year. It has taken a lot of effort but everything is booked and organised. We are known as the ‘Mighty Titans’ and will be cycling at least a 100km a day during the trip.”

Their route will take them from London to Newhaven, a distance of 56 miles, from where they will catch the overnight ferry to Dieppe. On Day 2 they will cycle 62 miles from Dieppe to Beauvais, and on Day 3 they will cycle the remaining 46 miles to the Eiffel Tower in the centre of Paris.

The team are hoping to raise over £1,800 for Splash, which provides specifically designed and highly-structured, free, out of school activities for around 250 young people each year in Wiltshire.

Mr Hussey said: "All funds raised will go towards the Splash October and December school holiday activity programmes enabling Splash to deliver activities for young people who are facing a wide range of challenges.

“Some have special educational needs or disabilities, or are on child protection plans, in care, at risk of anti-social behaviour, or are young carers, or victims of crime/bullying, or from families facing bereavement, breakdown, substance misuse or financial hardship.

“All Splash activities are designed to increase the confidence, self-esteem and social skills of those that attend by empowering them and giving them opportunities to realise their own capabilities and begin to see a positive future."

More than 50 people train at the New Era Fitness Studios and the gym runs a Titan Boot Camp for keep-fit enthusiasts. Last year, a New Era Fitness team tackled the national Three Peaks Challenge, raising more than £4,500, and in 2015, they trekked coast to coast along Hadrian’s Wall, raising over £4,000.

If you wish to support the team with a donation, please go to their justgiving page at www.justgiving.com/titansvsparis