A man who pledged to cycle from London to Paris after his father-in-law was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease has already raised £8,000 for charity.

Lanny Silverstone, who lives in Barnet, is taking part in the ride with four friends - including his brother-in-law, Simon Midgen, who lives in Barnet.

David Midgen was diagnosed with the condition, which causes muscle tremors, in 2005.

Mr Silverstone, 52, said: ““Having survived the London Nightrider in 2014, in which we also raised money for Parkinson’s UK, we decided that we should push ourselves a bit further this time – and Paris seemed just about far enough.

“I am delighted to raise money again for this important charity, which does such great work for people with Parkinson’s and their families. The real challenge is to wake up on four consecutive mornings and realise that we have another full day in the saddle ahead of us.”

They are taking part in the ride with friends Laurence Blake, 51, from Rickmansworth and Owen Hilton, 48, from Bushey.

They all hope to raise £10,000 for the charity.

Mr Blake is cycling f or his father-in-law, Jack Rosenbaum, who has recently been diagnosed. He said: "Having previously cycled from London to Brighton, I was looking for a personal challenge - and cycling from London to Paris is just that. In addition, it is a great way to raise money for Parkinson’s UK. ”

Mr Hilton is cycling for his parents-in-law after his father-in-law, Gordon Salik, was diagnosed with the disease 19 years ago.

His mother-in-law, Simone, has now become his carer.

He said: “The amazing way she looked after him has meant he has had a far better life than he would have had otherwise. It is as much for the carers as those who have Parkinson’s that a cure needs to be found.”

The group, who refer to themselves as “TEAM LOLS 2015”, have each set up online fundraising accounts to help them reach their fundraising target of £10K. So far they have already managed to raise £8,902.

www.justgiving.com/Laurence-Blake1 www.justgiving.com/owenhilton uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LannySilverstone uk.virginmoneygiving.com/simonmidgen