A BLOOD cancer sufferer will be joined by family and friends on a cycle from London to Paris to raise funds for charity.

Simon Giamattei, whose family runs Marc Antoni hair salons across the area, was diagnosed with blood cancer three years ago and will now join his wife, Julie, his brother Bruno, and his colleague, Daniel Bryan, on the 500km ride in September.

Mrs Giamattei, told the Newbury & Thatcham Chronicle that she didn’t even own a bike before deciding to take part in the fundraising event.

She added: “It is just going to be about enjoying it. They close all the roads and you are with 250 other people, most of who have been affected by blood cancer in some way.

“It is quite nice to be with people who have been through what we have been through.

“It will be quite emotional but I am just looking forward to helping raise money to help other people, because someone else raised money before and that has saved my husband’s life.”

She said her husband, who has to take medication every 12 hours, was currently in really good health and looking forward to the challenge too.

Just last month Mr Giamattei was joined by his two daughters on a static 200km cycle in Newbury town centre.

The trio, who were supported by Mrs Giamattei, raised more than £450 on the day.

The group, who have been training in Switzerland and Italy, hope to raise £5,000 by taking part in the ride, which leaves London on September 15th. You can support them by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/julieandsimongiamattei