A WIRRAL man who describes himself as, "a lazy, overweight, couch potato," is preparing to pedal 350 miles for Claire House Hospice.

Des Ferguson, from Storeton, will set off in September for Dublin. He will then get on his bike to head North and will follow a route that crosses the six counties of the North of Ireland and then back down to Dublin. Des says that when he gets back to Dublin he will 'probably collapse'.

"I'm a keen non-cyclist," said Des. "I haven't sat on a bike in anger for 17 years but felt the need to do something to raise funds for Claire House."

Des has already received help from his employer Lord Leverhulme and Irish Ferries and is pictured receiving a bicycle from Jonathon Sheridan of 'The Bike Factory' in Chester.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Des can call him at work on 336-4828, he is especially interested in hearing from people with cures for saddle sores and chaffed thighs!

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