Three friends from a Shropshire village have trained themselves to full physical and mental fitness for a major charity cycle challenge

Richard Ward, Simon Davis and Mark Harris, of Berrington, near Shrewsbury, will be cycling from London to Paris to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.

They have been inspired to embark on the challenge having seen first hand the amazing results of heart surgery.

Simon Davis, 46, had open heart surgery himself last May and is back to full fitness, and Richard Ward’s mother, Jean Ward, of Shawbury, had the same life-saving surgery two years ago.

Simon had a mitral valve repair last May at Alexandra Hospital at Cheadle conducted by specialist surgeon Mr Ridley, who, by coincidence, had successfully carried out the same operation on Richard’s mother at the North Staffordshire Hospital the year before.

“The important thing for me is to get the message over that just because you’ve had heart surgery don’t think that you can’t live a normal and active life. You just get back, on your bike in my case, and get on with it,” Simon said.

Mark and Richard said they are extremely proud to be supporting the British Heart Foundation and grateful that their friend Simon has recovered to a level that he will be able to complete the trip.

Simon Davis has arranged the details of the trip and said that they will be starting their 294-mile journey from the Tower of London at 7.30am tomorrow.

“We will travel 79 miles to Dover to cross the channel and then spend the first night in Calais. On day two we take the coastal road from Calais to a small market town Abbeville – another 79 miles closer to Paris. Day three we come inland completing 73 miles to stay at Beauvais .

“On the fourth days we will head to Paris – another 63 miles – ending our journey at the Eiffel Tower,” he said.

Simon’s son, James Davis, will be accompanying the cyclists, driving an estate car with the repair kit, spare parts, luggage, food supplies and water.

“We are really looking forward to the challenge and hope that we can raise as much money as possible for such a worthwhile cause,” added Richard.

You can sponsor Richard, Simon and Mark by donating at http://www.justgiving.com/richardward5