A CYCLIST is to brave the ferocious beasts of the South African veldt on a ride later this year.

Christopher Haggo, 26, from Keighley, will travel to South Africa in November and cycle for 275 miles through the veldt to raise money for charity.

Christopher, who will have to ride up to 60 miles a day on the six-day trip, in temperatures of 25 Celsius or more, is appealing for help in his bid to raise £2,500 for Mencap.

In order to take part in the event, participants must raise the minimum £2,500 for the charity, which provides support for children and adults with learning difficulties.

Christopher, who has raised £300 so far, decided to take on the challenge after seeing an advert on a noticeboard at Harrison and Clough, in Harlco Road, Keighley, were he works.

Then, in a bizarre coincidence, after deciding to do it he learned that, as a child, he had received support from Mencap himself, which made him even more determined to help.

He said: "I wasn't aware at the time I signed up to do it, but I attended one of their places."

"I have never done anything like this before, it's going to be the challenge of a lifetime. But raising this amount of money is not an easy task."

The trail begins in Cape Town and continues up into the stunning Cederburg Mountains then, winding back towards Cape Town, it finally comes to an end below the Blue Mountain and near the famous Table Mountain.

Christopher, of Clifton Street, off Fell Lane, will be camping in the veldt at night, sleeping among puff adders, leopards, spitting cobras and various other deadly creatures that inhabit the African wilderness.

But he is not too worried because, should he wake up face to face with a ravenous beast, he has a foolproof plan.

He said: "As long as I can run faster than the other people then I'll be all right!"

Anyone wishing to help Christopher and Mencap can contact him on: 01535 213956 or via email at: chris.cjhaggo@virgin.net.