A cyclist from Wick St Lawrence is preparing to ride 600km through Vietnam to raise money for charity.

Phil Howell took part in the Great Weston Ride for the second time last year, but he has now agreed to take on an even bigger challenge by signing up to the Cycle Vietnam ride.

More: Phil takes on Great Weston Ride for charity.

Phil is part of a team of 30 riders from retail and wholesale departments at NISA.

Phil, who works as a development manager for the supermarket, said: “There is a team of 30 riders from across the retail and wholesale estate including managing directors from SPAR and MFG (Motor Fuel Group) undertaking the daunting task of cycling 600km over six days on the east coast of Vietnam to raise money for MAG (Mines Advisory Group) who do great work in clearing mines in this part of the world preventing death and serious injury to so many.

“Every hour, someone in the world is killed or injured by unexploded landmines and nearly half of these are children.

“This is likely to be the last event of this kind – and by invitation only, so I feel quite honoured to be asked – as they have done two or three before in Laos and other areas in that region of the world, but it it will be the first time I have taken part having taken up cycling again last year.

“I`m busy training whenever possible at the moment cycling around 100 miles per week in my spare time as this is going to be a pretty tough challenge.

“In fact I have already clocked up well over 2,000 miles this calendar year, such is my enjoyment in this activity, as well as in preparation for the MAG ride.

“In committing to this ride I will be using a week of my own holiday entitlement and have covered my own costs for flights, but there is a further requirement to raise £5,000 for the charity.

“I am counting on the support of friends and family as well as my employers, suppliers and colleagues, and also looking for other ways to raise money.”

MAG’s work has helped more than 17.7 million people in conflict-affected communities in over 40 countries since 1989, giving them greater safety and the opportunity to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

To sponsor Phil, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/philip-howell2