The all-action Fitz-Henry family of Sidmouth is not one to fight shy of a charity challenge.

They did it six years ago when they conquered the English Channel in a relay swim, writes Kingsley Squire.

Now Team Fitz-Henry has set itself another challenge, a cycle relay from Berlin to Paris in commemoration of the centenary of World War One.

The route, starting at the Brandenburg Gate on July 19 and finishing in the city where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, will encompass the evocative cemeteries and battlefields of the Western Front where so many, having answered the call to fight for King and country, lost their lives in the bloody horrors of trench warfare.

“The war lasted 1,565 days and that equates to the distance we aim to cover from start to finish in six days,” says team leader Paul FitzHenry.

“It works out at a symbolic mile for every day of the war. It’s quite a tall order. But it’s a challenge we’re proud to undertake.

“Like most people, I am humbled by the ultimate sacrifice that was paid by so many, because we live now in an age where we can acknowledge and appreciate the freedoms they fought for – for us and for future generations.

“So we wanted to do something as a family to commemorate the centenary of the Great War in a meaningful way and, at the same time, raise money for the Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes and The Soldiers’ Charity.”

The six-member team, with the slogan ‘Spin Like A Fitz,’ is already training hard for the challenge which, riding two-hour stints in pairs, will average over 280 miles a day.

Paul’s company, Northcott Design and Management of Colyton, has started the sponsorship ball rolling with £300.

Sponsorship, of course, is welcomed and details and information about the challenge can be accessed online through the team’s website www.spinlikeafitz.co.uk and also from Paul on mobile number 07854 057521.