AN OTTERY man cycled from London to Paris at the weekend after his mum s brave battle after a stroke inspired him to raise cash for other survivors.

AN OTTERY man cycled from London to Paris at the weekend after his

mum's brave battle after a stroke inspired him to raise cash for other survivors.

Matt Wintle, 32, of Hillcrest, pedalled a gruelling 254-miles in three days and has raised �1,550 for the Stroke Association.

The charity is close to Matt's heart after a major stroke five years ago left his mum, Brenda, 65, disabled.

He said: "A stroke changed my mum's life forever. Her bravery and determination now keeps her going day to day.

"This was my opportunity to show my support to my mum and other people who

have suffered a stroke and to help make a difference."

Otter Nurseries events coordinator Matt, began his quest in Twickenham at 7am last Thursday, before cycling to Portsmouth and onwards to a ferry Channel crossing to Caen.

He then travelled to Bernay, before embarking on a tough 103-mile final stretch to the famous Arc de Triomphe, where he arrived with 25 fellow riders at 8pm on Saturday.

It wasn't as tiring as I thought it would be," said Matt, who was back at work on Monday.

"I'd definitely do it again, and met some fantastic people. The French countryside was really nice to cycle through.

"The last day was quite gruelling, we couldn't stop as we needed to make it before it got dark.

"My mum was in my mind all the time, she was the first person I called when I got to the finish line."

Thankful Matt praised his home-town for its support and said: "The community was behind me.