Bridport cyclist gearing up for Ride London challenge in aid of pregnancy charity

Jason Sheppard is entering the event, described as the London Marathon for cyclists, in August - and will be raising money for Tommy's.

The charity funds research into pregnancy problems and provides information and support to parents. Tommy's have set a target to halve the number of babies that die during pregnancy or birth by 2030.

Jason said: "It was quite a personal opportunity for me to get behind.

"I know people who have lost babies during pregnancy, and Tommy's is a great charity that doesn't get as much publicity as it deserves.

"They do some really great things for families who are going through some really hard times. I wanted to do something good that people could really support."

Jason won't be taking on the 100-mile course alone. The Tommy's team have already signed up 270 members to battle the challenging course, which includes climbs up the notorious Box Hill and Leaf Hill.

The race will start at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and finish on The Mall in central London.

The Bridport native is already preparing for the race. Having suffered injuries following a motorcycle accident, Jason is pleased with his fitness levels after making a full recovery.

"The offer was there to get the biggest team" added Jason. "It's nice to get involved and do something a bit different, especially when it is for a good cause.

"I work in Halfords in Dorchester, so I cycle from Bridport every day. I'm hoping to go between Bridport and Corfe Castle quite often so I can roll up there on the day and be confident I can get to a point that I can do 80 to 90 percent of the race.

"Hopefully then, I'll be able to push myself for the final part of it.

"I know there's around 27,500 entries so far. It really is the London Marathon for bikes and they shut London for the day. It's the same route they used for the road race during the London Olympics."

To sponsor Jason, please visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/firesheps