A CHARITY worker from North Yorkshire has taken to the saddle to ride 1,400 miles in two weeks to help blind and underprivileged children enjoy football.

Paul Hutchinson, 43, began his two-wheeled tour at St James’ Park in Newcastle on Saturday (May 28) and will pedal to the Velodrome in Marseille - covering more than 100 miles a day.

He is raising funds for Lionsraw, a charity that runs tours and encourages football fans to make a difference for children and young people in communities all over the world through sport.

“I know the ride will be tough, with some big climbs which will see me defy the laws of physics, being a big lad on a pretty light bike, but I’m determined to pedal through the pain," he said.

“The work the charity does is amazing and I want to raise as much as I can.”

Paul, from Great Smeaton near Northallerton, has been working as a project manager with children in the favelas of Curitiba in Brazil, helping to build a Children’s Education Centre there to enhance their lives through football.

The money he raises will be used to develop Blind Football at a centre in Brazil for children with profound physical and mental disabilities.

Lionsraw have helped set up urban football projects for girls, football schools, multi sports days and build community projects in both Curitiba and Marseille, home of the 2016 Euro championships.

Paul added: “Visiting the communities as part of Lionsraw has made me see how fortunate I have been for the last 30 years to be able to play and watch football in the UK, Europe and Asia.

“The benefits of football are massive for young people and the communities around them. It helps build communication and teamwork skills, teaches discipline and forges strong friendships.

“It can also provide you with valuable connections and teaches you it is possible to overcome adversity and most importantly, it improves the mental and physical wellbeing of the kids too.

“They perform better at school and this helps them fulfil their potential in later life. This project means so much to me and I hope to raise £14,000 which will make a huge difference.”

To find out more or to make a donation, visit justgiving.com/Paul-Hutchinson14