A WEYMOUTH cycling duo are on the right track to raising thousands to help others.

Brian Sheppard, 53, and his friend Steve Carter, 59, will cycle from London to Paris in memory of lost loved ones who suffered with heart disease.

The pair, who have been training for months, have nearly reached their fundraising total of £2,000 for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

With just weeks to go ahead of the 250-mile challenge, Mr Sheppard is calling for more donations.

Mr Sheppard, owner of Money Matters Ltd in Weymouth, said: “Money does matter when it comes to helping people with heart disease which is one of the UK’s biggest killers.

“Throughout the year we’ve been building up our training in preparation for this 250 mile challenge and have completed three other rides in preparation from 60 to 100 miles.” The challenge will take place on September 7 and will last three days.

The pair will cycle 70 miles from London to Folkestone before they hop on Eurostar to Calais.

Following this they will set off on an 84 mile trek to Amiens and on the third day a 90 mile cycle ride to Versailles, Paris.

Mr Sheppard added: “We are both keen cyclists and have recently ridden in local cycle rides for various charities over the last year.

“It is for a charity that is close to our hearts.”

Sadly, Mr Carter lost his brother Ray to heart disease in 2009 and will aim to complete the challenge in his memory.

Last year the duo participated in a 100km for BHF in which they raised £1,000.

They have also recently completed the 100-mile long Ride London event following the Olympic road race route of 2012 and finishing on the mall in front of Buckingham Palace.

Mr Carter said: “When we received an email from the BHF with details of a London to Paris event we were keen to take on the challenge and raise money.”

The pair thanked all the people and businesses who had donated so far and also Dorset Vehicle Rentals for the support vehicle which they are providing to help the cause.

To donate visit justgiving.com/ teams/teammoneymatters or by calling 01305 770650.