SALE Golf Club duo Hilary Tarleton and Julie Matthews are set for a new challenge, raising money for charity in the process.

The pair have enjoyed regular success in team and individual events for many years at their beloved club and now they are looking to raise funds for a charity very close to their hearts – Maggies of Manchester – in a very testing cycle ride.

Tarleton explained their mission: “Julie and I are cycling from London to Paris. We both enjoy cycling but are relative novices.

“We love the idea of a challenge that takes us both out of our comfort zones. The total distance we will cycle is 284 miles over four days.

"Our first day, on May 31, is a 76-mile ride from Blackheath to Dover where we cross the English Channel by ferry.

“Over the next three days we will cycle through northern France via Arras and Compiegne.

"The finishing line is at the Eiffel Tower via the Champs Elysees then with the cycling complete, we catch Eurostar home to London.

“While it is going to be a significant challenge for us both and training is going pretty well, we also hope to have a lot of fun.

"We are doing the trip with a company called More Adventure. They will carry our gear, provide a guide and also a support vehicle just in case.

“We have fully paid for our trip including ferries, accommodation, Eurostar etc. but we would, however, like to raise some money for a charity very close to our hearts.

“Maggie's in Manchester provides free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their family and friends. Every single penny we raise plus Gift Aid will go directly to Maggie's and be put to immediate use.

“Our very good friend Graeme Heward is battling with a rare cancer affecting one in 100,000 people, sinonasal adenocarcinoma.

“Over the last few years he has had countless operations. He has undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy and he has lost his right eye.

“Despite all of this he undertook a gruelling 850-mile bike ride and then climbed the highest peaks in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. He is brave and inspirational.

“Maggie's in Manchester has really helped Graeme and by raising money for them we want to say thanks for this help. We want it to continue for him and for others.

“If you would like to donate some money to Maggie's we have set up a Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/juliehilary. If you are a UK tax payer remember to tick Gift Aid."