ANDREW Monk will literally be following in his father's footsteps when he undertakes a marathon walk to Germany in aid of multiple sclerosis charities.

The 43-year-old Bury man has been inspired into undertaking the gruelling 1,000 mile trek after witnessing the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) on his young wife, Gwen.

Andrew hopes to raise a staggering £2.5 million from his walking efforts and has already been inundated with offers of help and accommodation.

He is scheduled to set off on Sunday, April 18 and hopes to complete the walk in just 39 days. Significantly, the route he has chosen will mirror that taken by his late father, Fred, who was a fusilier in World War Two.

Andrew, of Wood Street, explained: "I will be walking the 1,000 miles along the route my dad took during those war years through England, Belgium, Holland and Germany, recalling what was one of the finest fighting formations in the field, namely the 7th Battalion The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) 52nd Lowland Division."

Today, Andrew cares full-time for his wife who, 11 years ago at the age of 32, was stricken by multiple sclerosis.

"I've watched a fit, healthy young woman gradually being forced to come to terms with a fearfully disabilitating illness," he said.

While Andrew acknowledged there were many worthy organisations providing help and advice to MS sufferers, he planned to raise money purely for research into finding the cause and subsequently a cure.

He has chosen the Myelin Trust and Boston Cure Project, both registered charities, as beneficiaries of the funds raised by his walk.

Lions clubs nationwide have pledged their assistance to Andrew and many towns along the route will welcome him. He has already been provided with a free crossing from Dover to Dunkirk and has been promised other support and coverage along the way.

The father-of-four added: "The research fund has already taken off with contributions and pledges from various sources: business, contemporary authors, TV personalities and friends and family. Donations so far include a signed photo and signed copies of Tom Clancy's latest two books, signed photographs from Eric Clapton, Sting, Michael Palin, Kenneth Branagh and Gary Lineker and a Manchester United shirt signed by Eric Djemba Djemba.

"Various individuals and groups have promised me terrific support along the route from England to Germany. Local dignitaries will be joining me in the walk and have promised official welcomes and hospitality."

Commenting on the fact he wants to raise a staggering £2.5 million, Andrew said: "I know many people will see this as an ambitious total. But when it costs £8 million for one research project alone, I don't think it is too much to hope for."

People wishing to pledge money can ring him on (0161) 764 7460 or visit his web site at www.burylancs.co.uk instead for details of how to donate directly to the two charities he is supporting.

On his website, visitors will also be given an insight into MS and what it is like to live with the condition as well as details about the actions his father took part in.

Manchester-based Spot On Computers have provided digital cameras and a laptop so that Andrew can keep sponsors updated with his progress on a daily basis. The Bury branch of the MS Society has also given him a mobile phone.