A FARNHAM man is taking on an epic 370-mile cycle ride in aid of Mines Advisory Group, a charity which finds and destroys landmines and unexploded bombs in areas affected by conflict.

Andrew Donnelly, who lives in Lower Bourne, will fly out to Vietnam on February 8 to begin his six-day ride along its east coast - the equivalent of cycling from Farnham to Kelso in the Scottish Borders or to Luxembourg!

During the ride, Andrew will cycle through a number of towns and villages.

Apart from giving small items to the children, such as books and pencils, he said one thing they always appreciate are football tops.

He is now appealing to Herald readers to donate any children’s football shirts they no longer need.

As well as collecting football tops, Andrew has also committed to raising at least £5,000 for Mines Advisory Group.

The charity, which since 1989 has helped more than 18 million people in 68 countries rebuild their lives and livelihoods, gives the local community an opportunity to either build or grow crops from which they derive an income, Andrew added.

It helps communities in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Europe with the aim of saving lives and helping build safer futures.

Andrew continued: “It really is a worthwhile charity.

“I have completed a couple of these rides before and observed the difference the charity can make.”

So far, Andrew has raised more than £1,200 of his £5,000 target.

The challenge is part of the Mines Advisory Group Cycle Vietnam 2019, of which Andrew is one in a team of 30 convenience and wholesale sector colleagues taking on the 370-mile ride in six days.

To sponsor the cycle ride, visit Andrew’s fundraising page at

justgiving.com/Andrew-Donnelly-Vietnam.

For anyone wishing to donate a football shirt, a collection point has been set up at the Herald offices at 114-115 West Street, Farnham.

Shirts must be donated before February 7.