HOSPTIAL staff from Otley, Burley-in-Wharfedale and Menston are among a team taking part in a gruelling 300-mile charity fundraiser.

The ‘magnificent seven’, who all work at Bradford Teaching Hospitals and are riding from London to Paris in a bid to boost funds for Bradford Hospitals Children’s Charity, are Consultants Beccy Bardgett (paediatrics), of Otley; Sarah Jowett (gastroenterology); Sue Calvert (gynaecology); Menston resident Cord Spilker (neurology) and Farzana Khan (emergency medicine); medical secretary, Linda Lawson; and review manager, Louise Clarkson, of Burley-in-Wharfedale.

They will be joined by members of their family and friends, who are supporters of the charity: Mark Christopher; Tim Robinson; Lincoln Jowett; Angelica Santiago; Deborah Hardy, of Otley; James Simpson and Kirsty Wild, of Otley.

Together, the ‘fabulous fourteen’s’ efforts will make a huge difference to the babies, children and young people who become inpatients of BRI, part of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, as well as their families.

The epic ride set off yesterday and is due to finish on Saturday, under the shadow of the French capital’s famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower.

Consultant paediatrician, Beccy Bardgett, said: “All the money raised will go towards providing those little extras for the charity to kit out our new children’s wards.

“We are extremely grateful to all the cyclists. Their endeavours will make a real difference for our young patients and their families.”