A 75-year-old Redhill doctor is gearing up to attempt to cycle from London to Paris - a distance of 200 miles - in 24 hours. Michael Ormerod of Furze Hill will be taking on the gruelling feat this weekend to raise money for Reigate and Redhill YMCA.

His attempt, which is being sponsored by the Everest Spice Nepalese and Indian restaurant in Redhill, will see him set off from the Shard in London at 4pm this Friday (June 13), then cross the Channel from Newhaven to Dieppe by the 11pm ferry, before leaving Dieppe at 4am for a 125-mile pedal-push to reach Paris by 4pm that afternoon. The London to Paris ride is one of a series of sponsored challenges run by Reigate and Redhill YMCA, and Dr Ormerod is raising money to support the charity's work with disabled children and disadvantaged young adults.

Dr Ormerod said: “Over the last seven years, I have led a variety of cycling challenges for our local YMCA, including Redhill to Paris in three, two and one days.”

He said: “This year, I decided to attempt a tougher one-day challenge - starting in central London - while I am still young enough to complete the distance.”

Dr. Ormerod was a Reigate and Banstead Borough Councillor for 31 years, and is now an Honorary Freeman of the Borough.

Rosan Sapkota, owner of the Everest Spice restaurant, said: “I am delighted to support the excellent work of the YMCA in our local community. “Dr Ormerod first told me about the YMCA six years ago and since then a Charity Curry night has become a regular feature. I wish him good luck in this epic venture.”

Dr Ormerod can be sponsored online at: www.virginmoneygiving.com/MichaelOrmerod For more details about the YMCA Challenges visit the website at: www.ymcachallenges.org.uk For information about the cause's work in the community, visit: www.ymcaredhill.com