Whether it is sprinting in the Olympic Games, slam-dunking for the national team, or taking their two young daughters out hiking in the Cotswolds, sport forms a central part of Nathan and Deirdre Farrugia's lives.

The couple, who moved to England from Malta seven months ago, now live in Bushey Heath and will be taking part in a 30-mile charity bike ride to raise money for spinal injury charity Aspire.

And to make this summer's challenge even tougher, they will be taking their eldest daughter Robyn, who turns three on Sunday, and eight-month-old Keira, with them on the ride.

Nathan, 33, said: "I've been involved in charity work for the past ten years, but this will be the first in the UK for us.

"We are taking the kids to try and show strength, to support the charity and support people with spinal injuries. I take Robyn on my bike occasionally. But it is important for the children to be out doors. We want them to see the active lifestyle we enjoy."

The sponsored ride will take place on Sunday, July 15, starting at the spinal unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. The route will then take in the picturesque countryside of the Chilterns, before finishing at the spinal unit at Stanmore Hospital.

Deirdre, 34, first started competing in the 100 metre sprints when she was 16, before going on to run in the Olympics.

She represented her country at the Athletics World Championships in Tokyo, Stuttgart and Athens, as well as at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, which she describes as the highlight of her career.

Likewise, Nathan represented his country, playing for the Maltese basketball team, before a series of knee operations retired him from the sport.

If anybody would like to sponsor Nathan and Deirdre they can be contacted through Aspire on 020 8954 5759 and anyone interested in taking part in the event should contact organiser Andrew Ogierman on 020 8420 8951.