CYCLING from London to Paris wasn’t enough of a challenge for one group of friends - so they’re doing it on a fully kitted paramedic bike.

Student paramedic Martin Chick, and friends Marcus Biles, Ryan Jesson and Ashlea Treacher (CORR) will take it in turns to ride the bike, weighing 30kg - more than four stone - on the 240 mile city to city trek.

While one person rides the paramedic bike, the others will ‘take it easy’ on the scenic route by riding normal bicycles.

The challenge is in aid of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

Martin and Marcus live in Weymouth, while Ryan and Ashlea live in London.

Martin said: “We were all talking and decided we wanted to do something for charity.

“The ones we have chosen are really important to us. I work for the ambulance service so I’ve seen first-hand how important the work of the air ambulance is.

“And everyone knows how important Weldmar’s services are in Dorset.”

He added: “We’re all keen cyclists so riding from London to Paris seemed like a good idea. We’re taking back roads, so it will be very scenic.

“Then Ryan said it’s not a big enough challenge and that’s where the idea of taking the paramedic bike came from.”

Paramedic bikes - also known as Cycle Response Units (CRU) - were rolled out in Weymouth in 2010 and are kitted with oxygen, and a cardiac defibrillator.

The team hope to raise £1,000 for each charity, and thanks to sponsorship from a number of local businesses, every penny they raise will go straight to the causes.

The challenge will take three days, starting at Buckingham Palace and cycling to Dover, then crossing on the ferry. They will be cycling an average of 80 miles a day.

To help reach the target before they set off on September 16, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ambulance-cycle