Girl, 9, ready to cycle from London to Eiffel Tower for Wolverhampton charity

Tanvi Gupta will embark on a 300-mile bike ride from London to Paris with 20 others this weekend, including her father Anupam.

The event will start in central London and finish at the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Participants will cover 60km each day, crossing the British countryside, crossing the English Channel and cycling through the villages and towns of northern France.

Their aim is to raise £5,000 for Success ‘n’ Joy (SNJ), a mental health charity based in Dudley Road, Wolverhampton, which supports those suffering from anxiety, depression, loneliness and domestic abuse , as well as death and abuse support.

Tanvi, who lives in Sutton Coldfield, said: “I want to do it because my parents and brothers cycle and I wanted to do it too. This will be my first long trip to a foreign country. I am not worried because I have practiced a lot and my father and uncle will be with me to support me.

“We’ve been supporting SNJ for 20 years – since before I was born! Everyone always talks about SNJ in our house. They’re doing really good work in England and India. I want to thank them for the opportunity.”

Dr Gupta shared his pride in his daughter.

He said: “We are extremely proud of her. She is inspired by this charity to do all she can. She is very motivated. In training runs, I can’t keep up with her! I look forward to going with her. .”

Neena Julka from the SNJ Trust says the bike ride will raise “much needed support” and funds for the crucial work the charity does in supporting those suffering from mental health.

The SNJ Trust, which was founded during the Covid pandemic, employs counselors and speech therapists to provide timely support without having to wait long for an appointment.

Cyclists are also supported by the Park Hall Hotel & Spa in Wolverhampton.

The charity has already raised £1,420 from generous donations. Anyone wishing to donate can do so at justgiving.com/campaign/snj-bike-riding-challenge-2024.