THE boss of a Huddersfield firm is gearing up for a Chinese charity challenge.

Michael McFadden, managing director of architectural ironmongers Timothy Woods, will jet off to Beijing on March 27 to begin a trek along the Great Wall of China.

The trip, organised by Hospice International Challenge, will raise cash for Dalton's Kirkwood Hospice.

Mick, of Rossendale in Lancashire, will not be tackling the wall's full 1,500-mile length, but will spend eight days trekking along the ancient monument.

The sections he is negotiating are not all adjacent, so he will be ferried by car between the stretches.

But it will not be easy all the way.

The route is arduous, taking in 70-degree ascents, walls with 1,500ft sheer drops on both sides and a hard climb up the trek's highest point, the Heavenly Stairway.

Mick said: "I was the only one daft enough to take this challenge on. It all started when we sponsored Kirkwood Hospice's bike ride this year.

"I have never done anything like this before for charity, but I am a keen walker. I have trekked in Nepal before, but I am told this runs to a tight deadline and is quite arduous.

"I have started training and in January I will try harder."

To go on the trek, Mick must raise £2,500 by the end of December. Timothy Woods have started him off by paying his registration and insurance fees.

But Mick is still seeking sponsorship from suppliers, customers and the public.

Timothy Woods are also holding a pre-Christmas raffle, which will be drawn on December 11 at The Croppers Arms in Marsh.

The first prize is a mountain bike, the second is a remote- controlled helicopter and third prize is a personal CD player.

Tickets cost £1 each and all proceeds go to Mick's appeal.

Anyone who wants to buy a ticket or sponsor Mick can contact Anne Hollingworth at Timothy Woods on 01484 440000.