FORMER Malvern couch potato Fiona Ide's bike ride from London to Paris raised more than £2,000 for a local charity that helps children with disabilities turn their lives around.

The West Malvern mum, who previously thought cycling to Upton was a long haul, took on the 300-mile challenge for Megan Baker House, which provides specialist help for youngsters with conditions like cerebral palsy and brain injury.

The four-day trip involved three lots of 80-miles and a final slog of 60, ending up at the Eiffel Tower. Despite injuring herself on the way, she managed to continue the ride and complete it.

"It was a really worthwhile thing to do and I'm delighted that I was able to complete it," said Fiona, who is now safely back home. "I'd like to thank everyone who supported me and this wonderful charity that does so much to help in particular young children with cerebral palsy. They do a great job and I'm pleased to have been able to help in a small way."

Conductive education teaches children skills like head control, moving around independently, sitting unaided, walking, dressing, eating and drinking, personal hygiene and social and communication skills that are automatic for most people. It can mean the difference between a life with no prospects and one full of exciting possibilities like school, college and a career.

Sponsors can still donate through Fiona's Just Giving page at www.justgiving/Fiona-Ide, and information on the services provided by Megan Baker House is available at www.meganbakerhouse.org.uk.

Megan Baker House is based in Moreton Eye near Leominster and provides free conductive education to children with cerebral palsy and for adults with early onset Parkinson's Disease. It also provides Reach Out sessions, an initiative taking conductive education to schools and centres across the two counties, enabling as many children as possible to access these services. Full details can be found on the charity's web site at www.meganbakerhouse.org.uk.