TWO Great Yarmouth men have cycled more than 300km from London to Paris to raise vital funds for an autism charity close to their hearts. Gary Butcher and Michael Fleming completed to mammoth bike ride between last Friday and Monday in aid of the National Autistic Society (NAS).

TWO Great Yarmouth men have cycled more than 300km from London to Paris to raise vital funds for an autism charity close to their hearts.

Gary Butcher and Michael Fleming completed to mammoth bike ride between last Friday and Monday in aid of the National Autistic Society (NAS).

The duo aimed to raise �3,000 for the charity.

Mr Butcher, who works for Planning 4 Success, has a son with autism and is aware of the work and support that the NAS provides for families affected by autism.

He said: “There's so much misunderstanding about autism and what it actually means to live with the condition. Most people have no idea how common it is or how challenging it can be.”

After months of training both Mr Butcher and Mr Fleming said the ride was tough but knowing how their fundraising effort would help individuals and families affected by the condition, spurred them on.

Mr Butcher and Mr Fleming, who works at ELM Contracts, joined 26 other cyclists taking part in the bike ride.

The event sees participants cycle from Crystal Palace in South London, through Southern England and Northern France to the foot of Paris' most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower.

All funds raised from the event will go towards providing NAS services including the Advocacy for Education Service, Befriending scheme, Parent to Parent support service and help! programme.