A Shotley peninsula mum-of-two is taking on a 300-mile cycling challenge this summer in memory of her baby girl.

Lauren Gardner, from Shotley Gate, has signed up to the London to Paris bike ride alongside her dad, 60-year-old Keith Everitt.

The four-day ride, in aid Action Medical Research for Children, will see the pair finish their epic feat down the Champs-Élysées, ending underneath the Eiffel Tower.

The ride comes after Lauren and husband, Mark, discovered their unborn daughter had Turner Syndrome at the 12-week scan.

Lauren with Esme and Teddy (Picture: contributed)

Lauren, Head of PR at Woodbridge-based PR agency Satsuma Group, said: "At the time I remember thinking this just couldn't be real, it couldn't be happening. We heard a heartbeat but were told that something wasn't right. 

"Being ushered into a side room to speak to a doctor, we still held on to some hope, but heartbreakingly, we were told that there were serious concerns." 

Lauren, 34, was referred to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge for further testing where it was confirmed their baby had Turner Syndrome, a chromosomal abnormality which only affects girls and causes problems during foetal development.

According to statistics, only 1-3% of babies diagnosed with Turner Syndrome in pregnancy survive birth and the majority end in miscarriage or stillbirth. There is no cure.

The couple had to make the heart-breaking decision to have a medical termination, and on December 11, 2016, Freya was born at 15 weeks.

Lauren, mum to Esme, seven, and five-year-old Teddy, said: "Our experience is something I've struggled to talk about but if sharing our story might help someone else navigate this isolating, frightening experience, then it's worth the tears and pain. 

"Nobody should have to go through something like this alone."

The challenge, organised by Action Medical Research, takes place from July 19-23, and sees participants ride from one world-famous capital city to another over four days.

The cyclists will travel from London through Kent, before crossing the Channel to Calais.

The ride then continues through the villages of northern France, finishing in Paris.

Action Medical Research for Children is a leading UK-wide charity which funds vital research to help sick and disabled babies, children and young people. 

Supporters of Lauren's bike ride include Ancient House Printing Group, Howard Construction Anglia Ltd, Reflections Print Finishers Ltd, Red Rocket Digital, Tennial Personnel Ltd, Beatons Group, Healey's Print Group, Bolton Brothers, Zebra Print Management, KBL Accounts, The Adhesive Company and Oak Recruitment Ltd.

To donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lauren-and-keith