A BUSINESSMAN is lacing up his cycling shoes to raise money for a children’s charity.

Micky Chilman, 62, from Ringwood is embarking on an extreme cycling trip with his friend Rob Pimenta to join 80 cyclists in the 500km Ride Africa Kenya.

The challenge in November will raise money for Child.org, a non-profit organisation that supports maternal and child healthcare across Kenya.

The cycling duo is attempting to raise £10,000 for the charity.

Micky said: “This is going to be a very demanding Ride Africa classic ride of over 500km, and unbelievably our fifth ride across Africa.

“Child.org somehow manages to raise the bar on every ride that we do.

“Two years we cycled through national parks with lions, elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, water buffalo, plus other animals that wanted to kill us.

“This year we have more to worry about including cheetahs which can outrun us.

“Plus, those enormous hills that go on forever, the extreme heat and humidity and my poor posterior which really does not want to do another one of these challenges.

“We've got lots of events planned to raise money, but if you can make any sort of donation it will make a huge difference and we will love you forever.”

Donations can be made to Micky’s JustGiving titled, Micky and Rob do Ride Africa Take 5.