CHARTERED surveyor John Brownlow is to trek across a desert to raise money for charity.

John, aged 36, of Latham Row, Horwich, is to walk 100 kilometres in six days from Eliat on the Red Sea in Israel through the Sinai Desert in Egypt to Mount Sinai.

He is taking part in the gruelling challenge in April to raise money for SCOPE, the charity for people with cerebral palsy.

John and his wife Melanie have two daughters Emma, aged six and Mollie,18 months. A partner in Bolton estate agents Edwards and Co, John admitted that his main form of exercise in recent years has been "the occasional walk to the pub".

He explained why he will join people from all over the country from all walks of life to take on the hike across deserts and rocky terrain in the heat of the Egyptian sun.

"One in 400 babies in Britain is born with cerebral palsy.

"I consider myself very fortunate in having two healthy children, but many others are not so lucky and I have decided to sacrifice a little of my own time to help those less well off."

John has been in training by walking the hills near his Horwich home.

He has reached his initial £1,800 sponsorship target, but is now hoping to raise more. Anyone interested in sponsorship can contact him on Bolton 527526.

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