A RETIRED civil engineer is getting ready to cycle from coast to coast in France to raise money for a charity that supported his sister.

Paul Ince will set off from Bordeaux, on the country’s west coast, on September 6 and pedal 300 miles south-east in just five days.

The finish line is at Sète, on the Mediterranean coast, with Paul, who retired from East Lothian Council 10 years ago, raising funds for St Columba’s Hospice.

The Longniddry resident said: “My sister died in the hospice in 2010 and the care she received was second to none.

“Since then, our family has continued to support the hospice so that it can continue to provide its care to both patients and their families.

“I took part in the Celtic Challenges in 2012 and 2014, cycling from Edinburgh to Iona to raise money for the rebuilding project which was taking place at the time.

“The hospice still requires additional funding so this year I decided to try a different challenge and signed up for the French coast-to-coast ride.

“I really enjoy cycling in France, having been to watch the Tour de France a number of times, so am really looking forward to this challenge.”

Seventy-year-old Paul had originally signed up for a fundraising event in the Hebrides but when that fell through he turned his attention to taking on his own mini Tour de France.

He said: “Cycling is something I have always enjoyed and continue to do so whenever I can.

“However, I have found it necessary to do some extra training rides to make sure I will be able complete this year’s challenge.”

The father-of-three was full of praise for the charity, which provides hospice care for people in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Paul’s sister, Susan, was living in Switzerland but was visiting Paul and his family over the festive period in 2009.

At that time, she had already been diagnosed with breast cancer and “deteriorated” during her stay.

She was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh but was told there was nothing more that could be done and she went to the hospice.”

Paul, who is originally from Leeds, said: “She was only in for five days when she died but the care was brilliant.

“My parents, who had come up for Christmas as well, could stay in the hospice and be with her. Basically, I could not fault them on the care.”

To support Paul, go to www.justgiving.com/page/paul-ince-1690811776618