Cycling bride raises £3k

4:50pm Wednesday 11th July 2007

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A newly-wed who gave up her honeymoon to support a charity which helped saved her son's life has returned home.

Karen East, 27, chose not to enjoy a romantic break the day after her wedding, but instead took part in a 280 mile (450km) cycle ride from London to Paris.

The gruelling four-day charity ride raised £3,827 for the Children's Liver Disease Foundation, which provides care and support to parents and children and funds research.

Her two-year-old son Luke suffers from incurable liver disease and the family has supported the charity since he underwent a major operation at just three weeks old.

Mrs East said: "It was brilliant I completed it, and I absolutely loved it.

"It was really hard work going over the Downs in Kent.

"There were a few big hills, but it was fun.

"I'd love to do it again but because of all the training I was away from Luke, so I need to spend some time with him.

"A few people thought I was mad and I should be out having a good honeymoon, but it was great fun - although I did miss my family."

Mrs East, a publishing manager, of Rowan Close, Kidlington, married long-term partner Tony, 31, in Steeple Aston at the end of May.

The cycle ride ended at the Eiffel Tower, where she was greeted by her husband and son.

They then set off to Ile de Re, in the south of France, to enjoy a belated honeymoon.

The couple have been told Luke may need a liver transplant when he gets older.

The family's next fundraising event is a memorial football match at Kidlington Old Boys Football Club, at Exeter Hall, in Kidlington, on August 18. Two teams will be competing for the Ryan Lord Memorial Cup.