A HAMPSHIRE man is to cycle from London to Paris to raise money for a Southampton homeless charity.

Sean Whelan, managing director of Whelan Pest Prevention, a national pest control business based in Hampshire, has taken on the challenge to ride his bike to Paris from London on Wednesday, September 2.

He aims to raise money for Southampton homeless charity Society Of St James.

Sean said: "Being homeless is the very worst situation anyone can find themselves in. It is frightening and degrading, it causes significant harm to a person’s physical and mental health, it leaves people open to exploitation and abuse, but above all, homelessness is simply wrong. It is shocking that at the moment in the UK thousands of people are without a permanent, safe home.

"Many people are living in temporary accommodation or overcrowded and unsuitable housing; others are sofa surfing with friends and family; and worst of all, hundreds of people are sleeping on the streets in cities all around the country."

The charity is based in Southampton and provides a range of supported living services in Southampton, Portsmouth and across Hampshire. .

They provide a wide range of support to people from all walks of life experiencing homelessness, problematic alcohol or substance use and mental health problems.

To donate please visit Sean’s Just Giving Page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sean-whelan10.