A FEARLESS cyclist who is registered blind is set to defy staggering odds by riding 800 miles across Europe.

And Wolfram Thome will be joined by his wife Valerie, 55, who suffers from severe spinal arthritis.

The couple will leave their Nelson home for the three-week trip across Italy and France next month.

But before they leave, big-hearted Wolfram, 42 and Valerie are seeking a worthy cause to benefit from their journey.

The couple will catch a 'bike bus' from Leeds, which will carry their equipment on a trailer to Lake Como in Italy.

From there the couple will get on their bikes and cycle more than 800 miles to Montpelier, in France, before rejoining the bus back to the UK. Two years ago the intrepid couple completed a 600-mile journey across the UK and Europe, which was featured on Channel Four's The Real Holiday Show.

Valerie said: "We have planned this trip as a holiday since Christmas, but if anybody wants to sponsor us for a certain number of miles we will happily give the proceeds to a charity which helps the disabled or blind.

"I often wonder whether Wolfram gets anything out of these trips. I can sit and gaze at the beautiful scenery.

"But Wolfram always tells me that, although he cannot see properly, he can listen to the sights and sounds.

"I don't think he gets the credit he deserves."

German-born Wolfram is registered blind and also has one leg shorter than the other - the legacy of a road accident when he was 17.

His wife was warned 14 years ago never to cycle again after developing spinal arthritis.

Wolfram has 'two-dimensional' vision and his sight has no sense of depth or distance. He will lead the way on his own bike while Valerie will shout instructions from behind.

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