SUPPORTED learning students at Wiltshire College Chippenham are putting their weight behind their deputy director to raise money for Wiltshire Air Ambulance after it airlifted a student's brother.

The team, who have different levels of mobility issues, disabilities and learning difficulties, raised £750 by collectively cycling 300 miles in a static bike ride last week.

All were keen to do the challenge to support deputy director Rob Hand, who from July 10 will be cycling that distance for real from London to Paris, for the Jamie Walker Sporting Challenges.

This was set up by Jamie's parents Lisa and Ian after the gifted young sportsman died with two friends in a New Year’s Eve car accident in 2010 in Rowde.

Jamie, a 17-year-old who played for Chippenham Town Under-18s and Chippenham’s Futsal team, and his friends Frankie Bowyer, 16, and George Forester, 17, were killed after the car in which they were travelling home from a party hit a tree.

The former Abbeyfield pupil lived in Pewsham, Chippenham with his brother Billy, five years his junior, who has since attended Wiltshire College.

Jamie's dad will be joining Mr Hand in an eight-strong team going to Paris, who have so far collected more than £700 in donations.

Among those showing their support back at Chippenham College last week was work skills student Kendra Marsh, 19, of Devizes, who started the first leg of their own challenge.

She said: "I have really enjoyed joining in the bike ride and also raising money for such a good cause."

Jon Sillar, Foundation Studies curriculum manager, said: "I am extremely proud of our learners, and my team of staff for their fantastic achievement. The students have organised the event from the ground up.

"It has not only been a hugely valuable learning experience, but will also save lives."

Donations for Jamie Walker can be made at www.justgiving.com/tourdeparis2015

The foundation is also putting on a meal, DJ and auction for the air ambulance at Lowden Garden Centre this Saturday, which has already sold all of its 150 tickets.