Inspired by the death of his father and his friend's illness, a man from Chorleywood joined a team of cyclists in their own Tour De France, a 650-mile charity ride to the heart of the French Alps.

During the eight-day ride, George Owen, of Chorleywood Bottom, was tested against 40mph head winds, 30 degree sunshine and high-altitude cycling on the way to Chamonix.

The route took him, Stewart Broome, Paul Nanji, Steve Truluck and support driver Kyle Martin through beautiful scenery on a trip nicknamed "The Tour De Farce".

Highlights included rescuing a French lady’s dog, cycling over graffiti left on the road from the 2010 Tour de France, and seeing Lake Geneva’s fountain from the top of the Col de la Faucille, 1,342 metres above sea level.

Mr Owen, a 36-year-old data analyst, said: “I found the last day's cycle from Geneva to Chamonix relatively easy and was able to really enjoy the scenery.

“Chamonix is beautiful, absolutely stunning. I will definitely return, although next time I will fly instead.

“It's been an emotional week too and very tough at times but I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.”

The trip was in fact just the tip of a year-long iceberg of training and fundraising events, including a lottery for a driving experience in an Aston Martin.

Stewart Broome, 35, from Amersham, added: “George lost his father to cancer in 2009, and both George and his family received a great deal of help from Marie Curie Cancer Care.

“I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in July 2002, having been ill for almost a year. Following an emergency operation, I manage my symptoms with diet control and exercise.

“Both of us wanted to do something that would raise funds and awareness for these two great charities, so 'London to Chamonix 2010' was born.”

The team has so far raised about £6,500, a big step towards the £10,000 target, to be split between colitis and Crohn’s UK and plan to organise another trip for next year.

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