Four friends from South West Hertfordshire have pledged to cycle from London to Paris to raise money for Parkinsons UK.

The group of men – Owen Hilton from Bushey, Simon Midgen from Radlett, Laurence Blake from Rickmansworth and Lanny Silverstone from Barnet will be taking on the 280 mile, four day challenge on September 2.

So far the group, who refer to themselves as TEAM LOLS 2015, have raised £8,000 for the charity – they are hoping raise at least £10,000.

All four have family members who have been affected by Parkinson’s disease and want to increase awareness of the condition.

Mr Hilton is cycling for both his mother-in-law and father-in-law who have been affected by the condition.

The 48-year-old said: “My motivation come from wanting to honour my mother-in-law, Simone Salik, as she has been affected by Parkinson`s for the past 19 years as the carer to my father-in-law, Gordon.

“The amazing way she has 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.”

Mr Blake, 51, is cycling for his father-in-law, Jack Rosenbaum, who has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

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 Midgen, 49, and Mr Silverstone, 52, are cycling for David Midgen – their father and father-in-law, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2005.

Mr Silverstone 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.”

The money raised by the men will go towards research into a cure Parkinson’s as well as providing support to families of those affected by the condition.

Paul Jackson-Clark, Parkinson’s UK director of fundraising, said: “ Parkinson’s UK’s Director of Fundraising, Paul Jackson-Clark, said: “The effort that Owen, Laurence, Simon and Lanny are making to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s UK is fantastic, and we hope they thoroughly enjoy their cycling trip to Paris.”

To donate visit the four men's funraising page: Laurence Blake, Owen Hilton, Lanny Silverstone and Simon Midgen.