The team cycling from Paris to the Isle of Wight in aid of the Sophie Rolf Fund, Kissypuppy. Photograph courtesy of Paul Blackley.
CYCLISTS riding from Paris to the Isle of Wight in aid of Sophie Rolf, have embarked on their 160-mile journey.
The team, made up of friends, family and colleagues of Aaron and Gemma Rolf, Sophie's parents, arrived at the Eiffel Tower early this morning (Thursday).
Paul Blackley, the photographer for the trip, said: "After an early wake up call at 5.30am, and a cycle through rush hour traffic in the rain, we headed into Paris.
"Ten minutes into the ride and we'd already had 3 punctures, but eventually we made it to the Eiffel Tower to begin the ride back."
The cyclists are raising money for the Sophie Rolf Fund, KissyPuppy, to fund Sophie's travels to and from treatment, medical equipment she may need, and the occasional treat to keep her spirits high, as she battles an inoperable brain tumour.
In a bid to raise more cash the team has invited people to devise challenges for them to undertake in exchange for a donation to Sophie's cause.
Team member Spencer Wright, a designer at Sydenhams, is a staunch Liverpool Football Club fan, and has been challenged by a friend to wear a Manchester United football shirt for the final leg of the ride, in exchange for £100 towards Sophie's fund.
Spencer said: "Everyone knows how much I hate Manchester United, but the pain of wearing a Man U shirt will be worth it for Sophie."
The team has invited people to submit challenges to its Facebook page, and the riders will endeavour to complete them, in exchange for money, as they cycle from Paris to Sydenhams, Newport, where Sophie's parents work. They are due to get back on Saturday.
Spencer said: "We're thinking of getting our managing director Dean Orchard to wear a tutu.
"He's not keen but we want people to pledge money so he has to."
Any challenges, well wishes and messages can be left for them on the fund's Facebook page, www.facebook.com/KissyPuppy.
To make a donation, or for more information visit: kissypuppy.co.uk
Reporter: sarab@iwcpmail.co.uk