Northwood mum cycles from London to Paris for kidney cancer charity

The charity's second annual Arch to Arc event, which has been backed by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, aims to raise funds to increase knowledge and awareness of the disease, as well as supporting research.

The cause is particularly close to Izzy's heart after her father, Brian Kingston, died three-and-a-half years ago from kidney and lung cancer, aged 75.

Her brother, Jas, also lost his battle with stomach cancer about 13 years ago, when he was just 35 years old.

Izzy, 40, said: "I did the British Heart Foundation (BHF) London to Brighton Bike Ride last year and I was given a leaflet about the London to Paris challenge.

"I used to live in Paris many years ago, so I thought it would be lovely to go back there again, as well as raising money for a kidney cancer charity.

"Charities like the BHF get so much support so I wanted to do something for a smaller organisation."

Izzy, together with her friend, Wendy Jordan, also of Northwood, set off on the 270-mile journey on June 23, returning on Sunday, June 26.

The married pilates instructor, who has a 10-year-old son, Marcus, has raised an impressive £2,800 for the charity.

"We did a lot of training before hand but this is the biggest challenge I have ever done, so I feel very proud of myself," said Izzy.

"The first day was quite hard, the hills in Kent are particularly treacherous, but it got easier as soon as we reached Calais and began cycling in France.

"Seeing the Arc De Triomphe on the horizon was an amazing feeling and it was overwhelming to finally reach our destination.

"We also felt a bit sad that the journey had come to an end, as we had such a wonderful time and met some lovely people.

"My family, including my husband, Simon, thought I was crazy to do this, but they have all been so supportive because of what we have all been through.

"We felt a tremendous sense of achievement and I honestly felt like I wanted to do it all over again. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to raise money for a good cause."

Every year almost 7,000 people - the equivalent of 16 people each day - in the UK are diagnosed with kidney cancer, which is the eighth most common form of the disease among men.

To sponsor Izzy, visit http://www.justgiving.com/isobel-chaplin

Find out more about the charity, visit www.jameswhalefund.org

Are you raising money for a fantastic cause? Email editorialuxbridge@trinitysouth.co.uk