A CYCLIST who will be the youngest person taking part in a 300 mile charity ride says she is not afraid of a challenge.

Samantha Hopps will cycle from Blackheath Common near Lewisham to Paris to raise money for Parkinson’s UK and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The 21-year-old from Fairlop Road in Leytonstone works as a digital content editor at Parkinson’s UK head office and said the patients inspired her to take in the gruelling challenge

She said: “I met lots of people with Parkinson’s and what amazes me is how determined they are and they are not letting it get them down.

“I thought if someone suffering from Parkinson’s can cycle 300 miles to Paris I can also do it.

“It has been difficult at times and I was quite scared of cycling in London and for a long time I put my training off.

“But once I started I realised that London is great and has lots of cycle lanes.”

Ms Hopps trained for the challenge by cycling 10 miles to work in Victoria twice a day and going on longer rides in the countryside at weekends.

She is part of a group of 27 cyclists who will leave Blackheath Common on Wednesday, September 14, and plan to arrive in Paris on Saturday, September 17.

The cyclist has so far raised over £1,200 and is hoping to reach her target of £1,500 when she completes the journey.

She said: “My family have been really supportive and my aunt and uncle have offered to donate 50p for every mile I will cycle.

“My dad lives down in Dover and he will be greeting me with a big banner and my mum is meeting me in Paris.

“I did lots of bake sales at my work. I really enjoy baking, especially vegan baking.

“I am not afraid of a challenge and I feel prepared.”