Mission to Seafarers supporters are getting themselves into shape ahead of this year's Tour Pour La Mer cycle challenge to raise vital funds for the mission organisation's work with seafarers and shippers.

The Shipowners' P&I Club, a maritime insurer, is the latest cycling team to sign up for the sponsored cycle starting in Southampton on 28 September. The 100-mile route will take the cyclists through the stunning New Forest before returning to Southampton to cross the finishing line.

The Shipowners' team will be led by the company's Commercial Director Simon Swallow who inspired some of his colleagues to join him in the latest challenge following last year's successful cycle from Greenwich to Le Touquet in France.

"We enjoyed the event so much that we just had to take part again," said Mr Swallow. "Our enthusiasm has resulted in fellow colleagues wanting to join us. We see the event as a great way of trying to put some fitness back in to our lives, a chance for us to participate in an event as a team and to raise money for what we all see as a very important charity."

Mission to Seafarers already has a good relationship with Shipowners, which provides the insurance for the M/V Flying Angel, the world's first floating seafarers' centre which the Mission operates around the anchorage off the coast of Dubai.

Mr Swallow will lead seven other team members as they join riders from around the world in the cycle to raise funds for the work of Mission to Seafarers in more than 230 ports worldwide.

Mr Swallow praised the work of the charity: "The P&I Clubs by tradition have always tried to work more closely with the seafarers' missions and we are all very much aware of the fundamental role that The Mission to Seafarers plays in assisting and improving the lives of seafarers around the world."