A musician whose main claim to fame is playing French horn on the massive Beatles hit Hey Jude is preparing for a 400-mile charity cycling challenge.

Steve Midgen, 71, who lives in Walderslade, will return to his home state of Florida at the weekend to cycle from Key West to Orlando.

The challenge will raise money for Caudwell Children – a UK charity which provides practical and emotional support to disabled children and their families. The money Mr Midgen raises will be used to send children to Disney World.

The keen cyclist said: “I was taking part in an organised cycling event and I saw a flyer for the Florida Cycle.

“Having grown up in Cocoa Beach and Fort Lauderdale in Florida, it immediately appealed to me. The thought of passing through my youth meant that the challenge had my name written all over it.

“I also come from a medical family so I’m well aware of the needs of parents who have disabled children. Put the two together and I just couldn’t say no.

“I’m proud of my small claim to fame, performing on one of the greatest songs ever to be recorded is quite something to have done. But I have to say if the entire team can make it across the finishing line in Orlando, where we will be met by the children who we’re fundraising for, I’ll be extremely proud.

“I know it will be very emotional. Seeing the children enjoying themselves, having escaped hospital visits and doctor appointments for perhaps the first time in their short lives, will be incredibly rewarding.”

Mr Migden came to England from the USA in 1965 to study French horn at the Royal Academy of Music. Ten years later, he took up a post at the University of Arkansas, before returning to England in 1987 and working with youth orchestras across Kent.

Although retired from teaching and horn playing, Steve is a conductor of the London-based Inflo Brass Ensemble.

The challenge runs from Saturday to Sunday, December 6.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/Steve-Migden/