A FORMER footballer is using pedal power to score cash for charity.

Lee Peacock, head of youth development at Eastleigh Football Club, is preparing to cycle 1,200km around France – visiting every stadium hosting the Euro 2016 football tournament.

The 39-year-old’s solo charity challenge will pedal up thousands of pounds for Cavendish Cancer Care, in memory of wrestler Kris Travis from Sheffield who died of cancer in March, aged 32. He met Kris at a celebrity football match for Cavendish Cancer Care last year.

Cash will also go towards a special new room at Southampton General Hospital’s stroke unit which will be used by families of patients.

It comes after Eastleigh Football Club raised £2,000 towards the £10,000 appeal through a charity fashion show earlier this year.

Now dad-of-two Lee hopes to boost the appeal even more when he saddles up tomorrow to visit all 10 stadiums within 10 days.

The former striker and midfielder will cycle 130km a day, visiting Bordeaux before heading to Toulouse, Marseille, Nice, Saint-Etienne, Lyon, Lille, Saint-Denis, Lens and Paris before finishing back at Eastleigh Football Club on July 9.

The ex-Sheffield Wednesday, Manchester City and Bristol City player, who lives in Havant, said: “I felt that while I’m still able to do stuff I wanted to get out their and do it.

“The idea is, If England is staying in I can meet England supporters and I’m trying to raise awareness of the causes.

“I’ve got no back-up crew, so it’s just me, the bike and a map so it’s exciting. Anything could happen and it’s a lot harder to do on your own.

“I’m looking forward to meeting people and trying to get from place to place. If people recommend doing something different when I’m over there I’m fine doing that.

“I am proud that I’m supporting two charities from different parts of the country that represent different parts of my career.

“I spent some great years at Sheffield Wednesday and I’m now based in Hampshire at Eastleigh FC.”

Lee will arrive at Silverlake Stadium during Eastleigh Football Club’s community fun day where visitors will get a first glimpse of the Spitfires’ new strip.

The Mayor of Eastleigh Cllr Des Scott is expected to join hundreds of families at the event, which has been organised for blood cancer charity, Bloodwise.

Find out more about Lee’s charity or to donate at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LeePeacock.