Help fight cancer on Canal du Midi

VOLUNTEERS from Cancer Support France groups from all over the country are joining together for the first time to take part in a five-day fun ride along the Canal du Midi in June with the aim of publicising their work and raising funds.

The 240km ride along the Unesco heritage site will be done in five stages from Toulouse to the Mediterranean port of Marseillan, with each day’s pedalling covering about 50km.

Organisers are looking for as many people as possible to join them in cycling in the shade of the canal’s famous plane trees – and you do not need to be a CSF member, just keen to help.

The ride starts on June 7 from Toulouse to Avignonet-Lauragais; June 8 Avignonet-Lauragais to Carcassonne; June 9 Carcassonne to Homps; June 10 Homps to Béziers, and June 11 the finishing stretch from Béziers to Marseillan.

People can join in the event from the start on June 7 or just take part in one or two stages.

Volunteers are also needed to help provide lunches and drive the support vehicles which will be on hand to help with bike spares and repairs.

The aim is for everyone to finish as it is a fun event not a race.

Cancer Support France is a network of associations supporting English speaking people living in France who are affected by cancer.

Ride participants can buy a light breathable fabric CSF T-shirt to wear on the ride to raise awareness of the cause – and they are also available for all CSF supporters at €12 plus €4 p&p.

Bicycle hire is also available for those travelling some distance.

More information and registration forms is at www.csfcanaldumidi.org The organisers will also put updates on the ride’s Facebook page CSF Canal du Midi