A NEW minibus to help elderly disabled people in Aireborough get around may become a reality by the end of the year, after five years of fundraising.

Aireborough Voluntary Services to the Elderly with Disabilities hopes to finally reach its target of £50,000 - thanks to a runner's offer to race 100 miles across India.

Retired Rawdon social worker Hilary Wharam was sponsored to run the London Marathon for AVSED's minibus appeal last year.

Now she has offered to take part in a five-day sponsored run though the rocky mountain roads of the Himalayas.

The runners will race at roads lying between altitudes of 10,500ft and 11,800ft, offering breathtaking views of some of the world's highest peaks, including Sandakphu and Everest.

AVSED's minibus appeal has so far raised around £30,000 - but the organisation hopes her efforts will go a long way towards securing its new minibus.

She said: "I have never run for a bus in India before, so I have no idea how difficult it will be to 'catch' one.

"I am hoping everyone I know will sponsor me and that the combination of my effort and their cash will raise the amount still needed to provide AVSED with a new bus."

She will leave for India a week before the race - which takes place from October 31 to November 11 - to give her the chance to acclimatise to the Himalayan temperature and altitude.

Chairman of AVSED, Brian Myers, said: "We cannot thank Hilary enough for her offer to run this gruelling race on out behalf. Our 'N' registered minibus has given us incredible service over the years, transporting more than 100 elderly, disabled and isolated people every week to social centres, out on trips and to holiday transport.

"Sadly, although it will be like parting with an old friend, the bus does now need replacing and, because it is essential to have various adaptations made to such a vehicle to accommodate wheelchairs and to allow easy access for disabled people, the purchase cost is considerable - in the region of £35,000."

Anyone who would like to sponsor Hilary can order a sponsorship form from the AVSED office by calling (0113) 2501702.