WILTSHIRE Police Deputy Chief Constable Mike Veale is taking part in an epic cycle challenge to raise money for the hospital where his wife received treatment for breast cancer.

Mr Veale set off on Wednesday on the 280-mile ride from London to Paris in aid of the oncology unit at Yeovil Hospital.

He said: “I have never embarked upon such a physically challenging escapade in my adult life and neither have my four comrades who remarkably all volunteered to join in with the crusade. The treatment my family has received from the unit has been world class; we will never forget the kindness and warmth offered by so many.

“The NHS takes a lot of criticism but those who work there are fantastic and have left us in no doubt that the health service is something we should all be proud of.

“The support I’ve had throughout the training has been incredible and I would like to thank everyone in advance for their donations and kind words.”

For more information on the ride and to donate, log onto justgiving.com/mikeveale.