A widower has set off on a gruelling fundraising bike ride on what would have been his wife’s 33rd birthday.

Paul Smith, from Seaford, is cycling from Big Ben to the Eiffel Tower with five others.

The group, which set off yesterday, is aiming to raise £5,000 for the Pevensey Ward at Eastbourne District General Hospital which cared for Mr Smith’s wife, Tracey.

Mrs Smith died in December after a two-year battle against leukaemia.

Mr Smith, a father-of-three, said: “The level of care Tracey received was outstanding, and I cannot thank them enough.”

To pledge your support, visit www.justgiving.com/Paul- Smith23.