A POOLE Town footballer is kicking off a charity event, by cycling 200 miles in two days.

Striker James Constable has singed up to the #TOO500 bike ride, run by children's charity Thinking of Oscar. The event sees participants ride 500 miles over five days, with five individual 100-mile legs, to mark the charity's fifth anniversary.

James, who is on-loan from Eastleigh, will be joining the last two days of the event, which aims to raise £500,000 to invest in innovative projects at six children's hospitals and act as a catalyst for positive change in child healthcare nationally.

He was inspired to take part in the fundraiser as Great Ormond Street Hospital is caring for his youngest daughter, Mollie.

James, who has scored 11 goals for Poole Town this season, said: "I had no hesitation in taking part in #TOO500, it’s a wonderful charity and such an important cause. My family has learnt first-hand just how important children’s hospitals are. It’s only when you need them do you really appreciate how dedicated the staff are and what a fantastic job, they do at hospitals all over the UK.

“The staff at Great Ormond Street have been unbelievable to us in caring for Mollie and I’m grateful to have this opportunity to give something back. Thinking of Oscar is such an important cause and I’d encourage as many people as possible to help out and give what you can afford to help us improve child health care in the UK.”

Cyclists will set off from Oxford Children’s Hospital on June 12 and visit other major children’s hospitals in Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield and London.

Thinking of Oscar was set up by Hannah and David Cole in memory of their son Oscar who died suddenly and unexpectedly in Oxford in June 2014. They founded the charity to enhance the experiences of children and their families in hospital care by investing in projects and innovations within child health which have the potential to benefit children nationally.

Visit thinkingofoscar.com to find out more about the charity or too500.co.uk to sign up to the event. Go to justgiving.com/fundraising/james-constable9 to sponsor James.