A REDDITCH professor has just weeks left before he embarks on a gruelling 4,500-mile sponsored bike trip in Australia in aid of the Alexandra Hospital's League of Friends and Mencap.

Barrie Wade chose to participate in the marathon "anniversary challenge", in September to mark the 20th birthday of the League and the 60th anniversary of Mencap.

People have so far pledged Mr Wade £7,000 but he believes with even more support, a total of £50,000 could be reached by the end of the challenge.

"I didn't take up cycling until I'd retired but I began serious training in mid-February," he said.

"Since those painful, freezing beginnings I have become fitter and am now achieving up to to 70 miles once a week.

"I realise I will have to do 120 miles on some days in Australia and 100 miles on most days so I still have a long way to go."

He is asking Advertiser readers if they know any celebrities or people who are well known in any walk of life.

If so, he is asking for them to create a piece of artwork on an A5 sheet of paper and the results will be auctioned off.

More details are available from Gill Griffin on 01386 462359 or through the League office on 512009.

A new website has also been set up giving information about Mr Wade's challenge.

Once he has embarked on his journey, he is hoping to regularly update it so sponsors will know how he is progressing. The site can be visited at www.barriewadeinoz.co.uk