A FATHER-of-four is preparing to cycle 300 miles to raise money for the air ambulance that rescued his stepson after a motorbike crash.

Don King, from Cam, will cycle from London to Paris, along with 260 other fundraisers, to raise money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

The air ambulance rescued his stepson Danny after he crashed into a tree at high speed on a road near Stroud.

The helicopter quickly got him away from the scene and took him to Frenchay Hospital. Fortunately, Danny sustained no serious injuries.

Don, 61, said the air ambulance was an important service that received no government or Lottery funding.

"It is one of those services that you think you will never need. But if you were in a serious road accident then the air ambulance can get you out and to hospital very quickly," said Don, a self-employed health and safety consultant.

The cycle ride will take four days and each day riders will cover between 60 and 90 miles - averaging at around seven hours each day.

"I wasn't a keen cyclist before this so I really need to start training seriously soon," said Don, who has bought a Recumbent bike (pictured) from eBay especially for the ride.

"It is going to be hard work because the bike is quite old and heavy but I am looking forward to the event."

To take part in the ride volunteers must raise at least £1,100 and to raise the money Don, a keen chef in his spare time, has created a recipe book full of his own creations.

"I just love to cook," said Don. "On Boxing Day we had 26 people round for a four course dinner held in our marquee and we have lots of parties at our house.

"The book is a mix of recipes, all of which you can cook at home easily."

Copies of Don's recipe book can be bought from Cam Family Butchers in Phillimore Road, The Dursley Diner in Parsonage Street and The Gazette Office in Long Street. The book costs £4.50 and all the money will go towards the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.