A cycling family from Surbiton will get on their bikes to raise money for assistance dogs this October.

Gordon and Karen Balharrie and their children Sam and Lucy have signed up for a new cycling challenge, Pedal for Paws, organised by assistance dog charity Canine Partners.

The aim of the event is to raise money to train life-changing assistance dogs to help with everyday tasks, including picking up dropped items, dressing and undressing a person and even loading a washing machine.

These tasks help boost disabled people’s independence, confidence and sense of security.

Gordon and his son, Hollyfield Sixth Form student Sam, 17, are already avid cyclists so when they heard about the challenge through Karen’s sister Sarah Bolton who is part of the charity’s fundraising department they were keen to sign up for the 52-mile route and raise money to help train more amazing dogs.

Karen, 53, who works as a counsellor, and Lucy, 15, a student at Hollyfield School, also wanted to take part and have opted to take on the event’s 29-mile route.

Both routes will take Team Balharrie through the countryside of the South Downs National Park before they are cheered to the finish line at the charity’s Southern Training Centre.

Gordon, 52, a quantity surveyor, said: “We like cycling and we thought the South Downs would be a nice area to ride – although it might be a bit hilly.

“A challenge like this is a fun way to do a bit of exercise while supporting a good cause.

“We heard about Canine Partners’ life-changing dogs through my sister-in-law Sarah so we like the idea of helping them train even more of these amazing dogs so that they can help even more people.”

This year’s event will feature a 29-mile and 52-mile route and it will take place from 8am on October 1.

Advanced tickets cost £20 for adults and £10 for children under 16. Participants are also each asked to raise at least £100 for the charity.

For more information or to sign up call event coordinator, Helen Watkinson on 01530 225939, email helenw@caninepartners.org.uk or visit caninepartners.org.uk/pedal4paws.