A TEAM of Bolton businessmen are gearing-up to cycle over the Indian Himalayas to support Bolton Lads and Girls Club.

The team are training for the Man v Mountain challenge in July and hope to raise at least £50,000 to boost disabled amenities at the club.

The cyclists include Mark Pollitt, from Lostock firm Digicom, and Des Pate, from Glastex in Horwich.

Mr Pollitt said: “We want to raise as much money as possible to fund a new wheelchair-friendly minibus, lifting equipment, a drop-off parking area and possibly a zebra crossing in Spa Road.

“We want to bring in more children with and without disabilities, and give their families and carers a break. Looking after people with disabilities is often a full-time, hard job.

“All the cyclists are paying for their own travel costs, so all sponsorship raised will go directly to the club.”

The team’s base camp at Leh will have an altitude of 3,000 metres and they will be cycling at 4,000 metres in altitude on many days where there will be 40 per cent less oxygen.

One some days they will even cycle above 5,000 metres and will be travelling along the highest pass in the world.

The adventurers will spend time acclimatising then cycle 375 miles including an ascent to the Khardung La, which is the world’s highest road pass at 5,380 metres.

Other riders are Nick Hopkinson MBE from Mark2 Distribution, Nick Garratt from Clifton Trade Bathrooms, Craig Rothwell from 20-20 Technologies, Ivan Coetzee from DRL, Mike Cooper of C&C Baseline Architectural, Lewis Shaw, a lads club sports coach, David Turner from Stanmore Insurance Group, and Richard Percival and Lenny Percival, both from Coventry Way. Support has also come from other businesses including Impression Print, VO2 sportswear, ISM and ProSport.

Organisers are also appealing for donations of unwanted sports equipment which they will auction online.

Karen Edwards OBE, the club’s chief executive, said: “This year is going to be massive for our overseas fundraising adventures, with the Man v Mountain ride and the Talisker Atlantic Rowing Challenge, which is supporting our mentoring work. We hope businesses and individuals across Bolton will support both these great projects.”