A BARROW dad has braved a gruelling cycling challenge to raise money for the Make a Wish Foundation.

Michael Clarkson, 31, from Newbarns, decided to take part in the charity's fundraiser from Crystal Palace in London to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Since the birth of his two-year-old son Alfie, Mr Clarkson has realised there is more to life than just himself.

He said: "When I had Alfie, I realised that life wasn't all about me and that it was more about him and the others around me."

Mr Clarkson left for Paris on September 27 at 6am and completed his challenge on at 3.10pm on Saturday afternoon.

Mr Clarkson, who works at Tesco, has always wanted to do some sort of charity work.

He said: "I've never done anything more than just shaking a bucket really.

"When I turned 30 I realised I wasn't getting any younger or fitter and if I didn't do it now I would keep putting it off for another year and just not do it."

Mr Clarkson chose the Make a Wish Foundation because of the work it does to help children.

He said: "As a father, I would do anything to help my son in any way to make him happy and his dreams come true, and we are blessed to have such a healthy and energetic sweet loving little boy.

"But, unfortunately not all families have healthy little ones.

"If we were ever in the same situation as to have a child with a terminal illness or life-changing circumstances then we would love for someone such as Make a Wish UK to help us in our time of need.

"Raising this money and helping these families is such a fantastic cause to create moments and memories for children who are not as lucky as others in this world, and for families who have been in and out of the hospital, going through such emotional rollercoasters and making sacrifices, to help and support their children."

Mr Clarkson lined up alongside more than 50 strangers to complete the challenge.

He said: "Everyone was great and really kept each other motivated. There was a couple of people in a similar situation who had joined up to raise money for charity on their own.

"They were all nice people from really diverse backgrounds so it was really good to get to know them and their own reasons for doing it.

"It all went really well. I'd been told it was easier in France because it was flatter but that was a lie. The weather didn't help because it was wet and windy."

So far Mr Clarkson has raised more than £1,300 for the charity. He said: "I find it so humbling that people have been donating and people who do not know me have been donating.

"You don't realise how generous people can be."

To sponsor him, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/michael-clarkson3