A TEAM of fundraisers are preparing to cycle to Paris after being inspired by a little girl's battle with a rare condition.

Neil Chadwick, from Popley, Basingstoke, will join three others to cycle from Basingstoke to the French capital in a 250-mile, two day journey.

The 37-year-old father-of-six has given up his job with AWE to fundraise full-time for the Williams Syndrome Foundation, which supports those suffering from the condition, and their families.

The disorder is a genetic condition present at birth and sufferers experience developmental delays and learning disabilities, as well as distinctive facial features and cardiovascular problems.

Neil was inspired to raise money for the charity by Phoebe Black, a one-year-old girl who suffers from Williams Syndrome.

He said: "Her mother Steph is a friend of ours and lives in Alton. Our main thing is to raise money but we also want to raise awareness."

He added: "I have recently had to give up work due to health and personal reasons and this is the perfect opportunity for me to start giving back."

Neil and his teammates - Paul Izzard, from Winklebury, Stuart Palmer, from Hatch Warren, and Morgan O'Kennedy, the landlord of The Great Western, in Basingstoke - will set off on their mission today (May 14).

They will be joined by a support team who will travel alongside the cyclists in a car carrying water, food, clothes, spares and service equipment, donated by Gary Langron, the owner of Winklebury Cycles.

The team has so far raised £475, which will add to the £5,000 already generated by Neil over the last year, with help from others, including Steph.

Santander has agreed to match any donations made.

Speaking of the ride, Neil said: "The furthest I have ever cycled is 20 miles. It's quite a big thing. Some of us needed convincing to get our bikes out of the shed!"

To sponsor Neil and the rest of the team visit http://www.justgiving.com/owner-email/thankyou/Neil-Chadwick1977.