A husband and wife with a passion for sport have become a winning team for charity.

Angela and Steve Shepherd, from Acomb, are joining forces as Team Shepherd to raise cash for Children with Cancer UK after The Press highlighted the work of the organisation.

Mr Shepherd, 50, a landscape gardener, is a keen cyclist and is following the Tour across The Channel after the Grand Depart.

While in France, he will heading for the Pyrenees on July 20 to complete the L’Etape Du Tour, the amateur stage of the Tour.

With Angela following in a camper van, he will aim to complete a 148km route which includes two huge classic Tour climbs, the Col du Tourmalet and the Hautacam.

Angela is also training hard after winning a place in the Berlin Marathon on September 28 – the day before her 51st birthday.

Nutrition adviser Mrs Shepherd, who is also part of York Council’s Sport and Active Leisure Team, said: “I entered the ballot for that last year never thinking I'd get in.

“I've entered the ballot for London three times so far and not managed it, but got into Berlin first time.

“I have done fund raising through running before. It is Steve’s first time. But it is also the first time we have done a team effort.”

“As Steve and I are both now in the year of our half century we thought we should do something special to mark it – and make it worthwhile at the same time.”

The route takes her around the city finishing at The Brandenburg Gate.

Children with Cancer UK is the leading national charity dedicated to the fight against all childhood cancers by providing care and investing millions in vital research.

She added: “We have been inspired by stories in The Press about children in the York area with various types of cancer.

“The thought of raising money for Children with Cancer will definitely motivate Team Shepherd to do as well as we possibly can.”

To find out more go to http://www.lovelivingwell.co.uk/team-shepherd-for-children-with-cancer-uk/.