FORMER England cricket captain Mike Gatting will be helping a Kelbrook man raise money for his charity cycle ride to Israel.

Graham Jagger, 48, of Colne Road, will be taking part in the three seas cycle challenge from October 17 to 25.

The trip which involves cycling 350km from the Mediterranean to the Dead Sea via the Sea of Galilee has been organised to raise money for the charity Addaction.

This charity is dedicated to helping individuals and communities to manage the effects of drug and alcohol misuse.

Graham, who is head of engineering services at Ribble Valley Borough Council, Clitheroe, had to raise a minimum of £2,000 in sponsorship money in order to go on the trip and also had to pay a £250 registration fee.

A close friend of Graham, Elaine Mansfield, of Nelson, who is an employee at Country Holidays, Earby, is also taking part in the cycle challenge and together they are hoping to raise more than £6,500 in total.

Mike Gatting, who retired this month from playing cricket, will play an instrumental part in the couple's fundraising efforts: he will be speaker at a major fundraising dinner to take place after the cycle ride has been completed. It will be held at the Stirk House Hotel, Gisburn, on November 9.

Graham said: "It should be a good event, for as much as I like people to sponsor me, it will be good for people to come to this event as it will be a way of making money and also letting people enjoy themselves at the same time."

Throughout his fundraising efforts so far, Graham said local businesses have been very supportive along with Ribble Valley councillors.

Graham added: "The important thing is to raise the money and help the charity. Every area has got the type of problems targeted by Addaction and everyone needs information. If the money I raise comes back to this area then I'll feel that it's all been worthwhile."

Father of two Graham, who has a 20-year-old daughter Rebecca and a 23-year-old son, Lonnie, hopes to be a grandfather before he sets off on the trip, as his daughter is expecting.

He added that he was looking forward to the challenge although he knew it would be no easy task cycling more than 218 miles in temperatures around 90 degrees.

Anyone who would wish to sponsor Graham and Elaine or would like further details about the Sportmans/Ladies Dinner should contact Elaine on 01282 695878 or Graham on 01282 844499.

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