A CHOLSEY man will help refugees at an Oxfordshire detention centre by embarking on the longest bike ride of his life — to France.

David Charles, of Papist Way, is gearing up to cycle 380 miles from Cholsey to Bordeaux in aid of the Oxford-based charity Asylum Welcome. It works with refugees at Kidlington’s Campsfield House detention centre and aims to give them advice, support and access to their rights.

The 26-year-old said: “I only started cycling last October when I got a job 10 miles away with no transport connections. Before that, I'd always driven everywhere or got the train, but it got me thinking of the things I can achieve if I just put one foot in front of the other.”

Mr Charles will begin the journey on April 19.

His fundraising target is £2,000.

He said: “My friends and family have been very generous and I hope other people in Oxfordshire will sponsor me if they can. Even a few pounds will make a huge difference.”

To sponsor Mr Charles, visit justgiving.com/biketobordeaux