FATHER-of-three Wayne Reeder decided he needed a challenge to get fit.

So the 36-year-old nuclear power worker from Minehead bought a bike and signed up for one of the toughest challenges in the cycling calendar - a 300-mile trek from the heart of London to the foot of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Wayne (pictured) chose the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance to benefit from his marathon efforts because he believed the service was such a fantastic asset to have in rural West Somerset.

But the choice proved all the more poignant and relevant after two recent incidents.

Wayne's father, Watchet dockmaster George Reeder rescued local baby Sam Cooper-Stevens from the icy waters of the town's harbour after strong winds blew his pushchair off the West Pier.

At the time of the incident in February, Sam was just six months old but incredibly he survived unscathed, despite being submerged face down in the water for almost five minutes.

However, his recovery was undoubtedly helped by the swift actions of an air ambulance team - this time from the Devon service - who airlifted him to hospital.

And the importance of the service was brought home to Wayne again more recently when a colleague at Hinkley Point B, where he works as an operations team leader, suffered a heart attack.

Wayne performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation ahead of the emergency services arriving.

"Both of these events have happened in the last couple of months and on both occasions the air ambulances were called upon, which makes this fundraising cycle ride even more special to me," said Wayne.

Wayne's challenge will get underway next Wednesday (April 17) when he will be expected to complete a 95 mile stretch, followed by 75,70 and 60-mile routes over the following three days.

"I have been training but I know it's going to be tough," he said.

Unfortunately, Wayne's wife Julie and children will be unable to meet him at the finishing line in Paris but he is hoping his fundraising will more than match his cycling efforts.

"I know I've got at least £1,000 in sponsorship so far and I'm very grateful to everyone who has given so generously," he said.

"But if anyone else would like to donate there are collecting pots at Watchet Harbour Marina shop and at Cobblestones Restaurant in Dunster.

"Or people can go to http://www.justgiving.co,/Wayne-Reeder">www.justgiving.co,/Wayne-Reeder to donate online or even call me on 01643 705957."