THE son of Catherine Grosstephan who was raped and killed in her own home three months ago has paid tribute to his mother as he prepares to take part in a charity cycle ride in her memory.

Roderick Grosstephan, of Field Close, Buckhurst Hill, will be joining 230 other cyclists for the 440km Pedal to Paris ride from London to Paris to raise money for the Royal British Legion.

Catherine Grosstephan - who was affectionately known as Granny' to family and friends - was found dead in her home in Sidney Road, Theydon Bois, on the morning of Friday, May 19. Several items of jewellery were later found to be missing.

Mrs Grosstephan had a long association with the Royal British Legion in Buckhurst Hill which she maintained even after moving to Theydon Bois.

Over the years she helped with collections and supported her late husband, Charles, at fetes and the Poppy Balls run by the Buckhurst Hill and Woodford Green branches. She was a past president of the Buckhurst Hill branch's women's section.

Writing in the latest branch newsletter, The Chronicle, Mr Grosstephan said: "She provided much encouragement for me with the various cycle rides I undertook for the British Legion. She gave me a bike as a birthday present and proved to be an excellent fundraiser."

He added: "Rarely politically correct but with strong views, my mother often caused amusement when she shared her opinions with anyone who would listen. Like so many of her generation she was a traditionalist and her views on the clergy would be thinly disguised. I had better not mention her views on the rector's choice of robes.

"She took a dim view of the ordination of women and I can imagine more than an eyebrow being raised when she heard that a lady was to become the next curate at her parish church, St Mary's in Theydon Bois. However it did not take long for Rev Anthea Cannell to win the affection of my mother and even a clergyman (or woman) was referring to my mother as Granny."

Mr Grosstephan thanked Rev Cannell for her "enormous support and help" and for conducting the "beautiful" funeral service.

Mr Grosstephan has pedalled to Paris every year since 1996 when the Royal British Legion first held the charity challenge. And to mark last year's tenth anniversary he even cycled back to London again.

The four-day ride - which starts on Thursday (September 7) - ends with a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Mr Grosstephan added: "It's just what one does at the beginning of September. I hope, as always, to meet up with old friends and raise funds for the Poppy Appeal. I really only cycle recreationally so it's a great opportunity to get on my bike.

"I'm fortunate that I ride with my wife, Melanie, and with my friends Nick Paul and John Cherry who make up our team, The Philo Flyers, so we help each other through it."

To contribute to Mr Grosstephan's fundraising effort, visit www.bmycharity.com/ROD2OO6.

Scott Thompson, 23, of no fixed address, has been remanded in custody charged with the murder and rape of Mrs Grosstephan and is due to reappear before Chelmsford Crown Court on October 23.