A FITNESS fanatic will bring plenty of festive cheer to Bolton, when he cycles 100 miles dressed as Santa for charity.

Stuart Barnes, director of Zac’s Youth Bars, will hop on an exercise bike to take on the gruelling challenge at David Lloyd Bolton.

This challenge is part of Mr Barnes’ quest to complete 50 fitness challenges over 50 months, with the aim of raising £50,000 before his 50th birthday in November 2016.

The bike ride, which takes place on Friday, will be challenge number 19 of the 50 Mr Barnes is taking part in to raise money for Zac’s Youth Bars, a youth project based in Farnworth, Kearsley and Little Lever.

Mr Barnes, aged 48, is on the comeback trail after breaking his hip just as he was about to complete the Greater Manchester Half Marathon in April.

It has been a long and frustrating last few months for Mr Barnes, but he has been working hard to improve his fitness and says he is ready to push himself for a good cause.

He said: “I’m feeling very confident and I’m really looking forward to it.

“It’s been frustrating waiting to get back into these challenges — I’ve been doing exercise at the gym, swimming, cross trainer and exercises with a physio, so I’m more or less back to fitness now.

“It’s about finishing this challenge rather than doing it fast. I start at 6.30am and it could take me until 7pm or 8pm with breaks in between, so hopefully plenty of people will see me!

“We are getting busier and busier all the time at Zac’s, that’s why it’s so important I get more sponsors and more funding.”

Mr Barnes will be in the cafe area of David Lloyd Bolton, in Chorley Street, and will have a collection box for donations.

He is aiming to complete two challenges per month and each challenge will be something different.

Zac’s Youth Bars — part of the Sycamore Project — was set up 13 years ago, when Mr Barnes bought a derelict wine bar in Farnworth.

It currently works with 1,600 youngsters in Farnworth, Kearsley and Little Lever.

People can donate to Mr Barnes’ challenge by texting ZACS22, followed by a space and the amount they wish to donate, to 70070.

Alternatively, they can visit www.everyclick.com/4x50challenge.

Anyone looking to sponsor Mr Barnes can call Zac’s directly on 01204 706200.