PAUL Collins is getting in shape before setting off on the challenge of a lifetime.
In the Spring, the 45-year-old, from Middlesbrough, is cycling 300 miles from the Great Wall of China to Tiananmen Square, in Beijing, to raise money for mental health charity Mencap.
Paul, a body shop estimator at Ford dealer Jennings, in Middlesbrough, found out about the nine-day challenge from a poster he read while waiting for a bus.
He said: "This is the first time in my entire life that I have taken part in a charity event and I am looking forward to it immensely.
"In addition to being the challenge of a lifetime, it is also a great opportunity for me to raise a huge amount of cash to support people with learning difficulties and the support I have received from colleagues, friends and customers has been incredible."
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