A determined cyclist has overcome shoulder surgery to train for a 300 mile ride from London to Paris in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Herts Advertiser: Charity cyclist Nigel Almond.Charity cyclist Nigel Almond. (Image: Archant)

Harpenden resident Nigel Almond, 45, is embarking on the four day ride between July 25-29, inspired by the support GOSH gave his son when he was a baby.

Nigel, who works in London as a commerical real estate analyst, was supposed to undertake the ride last year but was knocked off his bike while training, resulting in the need for surgery.

He said his injury did not put him off: “I was straight back cycling as soon as I could, and it made me more determined to complete this ride.”

The first day will take Nigel over the South Downs to Portsmouth, then along the coast from Caen past some of the D-Day landing sites, before finally heading towards Paris.

Nigel cycles for leisure and occasionally goes on smaller rides, but this journey is far longer than he has cycled previously and has required years of preparation.

Nigel has been completing back-to-back rides on weekends through the Chiltern Hills, and running through his office during colder months.

“My colleagues at work thought I was mad when I started to run, and walk in the end, up the 30-story tower I work at in London.

“It was great to build up the leg muscles, especially in winter.”

While he has participated in smaller fundraising activities, Nigel explained his reasons for supporting the hospital: “My son was under their care in the early stages of life. He was born with a defect to his kidney so went in regularly for various tests and eventually had an operation there.

“I wanted to give something back to the hospital and staff who do an absolutely amazing job for sick children.

“When you visit the hospital you soon realise what an amazing place it is.”

To support Nigel and his cause, donate to his Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nigel-almond1.

Nigel will be taking part in a static spinning session tomorrow (Saturday) on the concourse area outside Boots in Harpenden from 9am. He will be on the bike he is taking to Paris fitted to a turbo trainer, and raising more money for GOSH throughout the day.