A FORMER King Henry VIII School pupil, completed a gruelling 300 miles charity cycle ride from London to Paris over four days last week. 

Clare Titchener, together with 134 riders crossed the finish line on the Champs Elysees last Saturday, just 24 hours before the final stage of the Tour de France entered the French capital.

Titchener, a partner with Clarke-Willmott Solicitors in Bristol, was riding to raise awareness and funds for the Bristol based charity the Jesse May Trust, an organisation which provides dedicated nursing to assist terminally ill children and their families. 

The Trust is almost entirely reliant upon voluntary funding, and encourages donations from individuals and corporate organisations. No charge is made to families using the services of the charity. Thanks to her family,friends and many supporters, Clare has raised over £2000.00 for the charity, with donations still coming in.

After finishing the event Titchener revealed, "If you had told me a year ago, I would ride from London to Paris on a bike, I'd have said you are mad - or I am. All the training in snow, hail, rain and winds last winter couldn't have prepared me better for the sweltering 35 degrees I experienced over the last four days. But, although it was hard work I enjoyed the experience - though I was quite worried when unfortunately some riders pulled out because of the heat in the first two days."

Next Tuesday, Clare is one of a number of fundraisers who have been invited to a reception at 10 Downing Street, hosted by the Prime Minister's wife, Samantha Cameron.

Titchener' twin sister Rachel Rees, who lives in Abergavenny, said " Clare called Mum and Dad after she finished in Paris - I think they were all a bit emotional and relieved. We are all so very proud of Clare's efforts and her hard training. She only took up cycling about a year ago after she damaged an Achilles tendon and had to give up running."

Titchener stayed on in Paris to watch the closing stage of the Tour de France on Sunday evening.

 

Pictured is Clare Titchener holding her cycle high in celebration under the Eiffel Tower.