Building Up For Wall

The 42-year-old hopes his trek in August will raise 2,500 for Chailey Heritage School, a centre near Lewes for children with disabilities, which his own son has been attending for 12 years.

Sixteen-year-old Daniel was born with cerebral palsy and also suffers from epilepsy and David cannot thank Chailey Heritage enough for everything they have done for his son.

He said: "This walk is my chance to give something back to the school. It has been great for Daniel."

The challenge means the world to Andy and he is already training hard for the walk. He is also appealing to local companies and individuals for sponsorship to help him reach his 2,500 target.

He added: "I am taking this challenge very seriously and don t want to let my sponsors down. I know I ll have to be very fit and am training three times a week, slowly building up the distances I walk."

He will be joining 25 fellow hikers, gathered from all walks of life from around the UK, for the gruelling trek and his journey will take him through wooded areas, fields and exposed rocky slopes.

Chailey Heritage School is a registered charity and is a nationally recognised non-maintained school. It relies heavily on charitable donations and fund-raising to carry out essential improvements.

Pupils at the school enjoy individual activity programmes, each drawn up and carried out by qualified teachers and full-time assistants, and facilities include the latest personal computers.

The trek will help to enhance the school s extensive education programme, as well as ensuring the best possible quality of life for all its pupils.

If you would like to sponsor David on his trek, any amount large or small would be much appreciated. Please send cheques, made payable to Chailey Heritage School China Trek, to: Chailey Heritage School, Haywards Heath Road, North Chailey, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 4EF. If you would like to know more about the China Trek, please telephone 01825 724444, ext 222.