A FATHER-OF-TWO is taking fundraising to new heights when he sets off on a microlight journey across America this week.

Ephram Clarke jets out today to prepare for the biggest adventure of his life -- a 3,300 mile coast-to-coast trip from California to Florida by microlight.

Ephram, of Stanhill Lane, Oswaldtwistle, is attempting the marathon journey to raise cash for the Imperial Cancer Research Fund. Weather permitting he will set off on Wednesday and hopes it will take about a week. Although excited, Ephram said the trip would be full of ups and downs!

The 44-year-old said: "There is perhaps enough fuel for 300 miles, depending on the wind, which will probably last about three hours. I'm planning on doing eight to 10 hours a day so I'll have to keep coming down to refuel." Ephram has been flying micro-light aircraft for nearly 13 years, mainly across the UK.

Last year he was the first person to fly from his flying club's base in Morecambe to the south west of Portugal -- a favourite spot among navigators, as that was where Columbus set off to America.

But it is over America itself which will be Ephram's biggest challenge to date. Travelling at heights of 10,000 feet he knows it will be no mean feat.

He said: "It's not going to be an easy ride especially over the Rocky Mountains with the wind. There will be a ground support team to keep an eye on us but I'm looking forward to it."

Ephram will be accompanied on the epic route by a co-pilot friend from Blackpool. He said it would take a team of two to navigate the route and keep tabs on the electronics and radio system.

He hopes to take about a week to complete the journey, flying in to an air show in Florida late next week.

Because of commitments with exams, his wife and family will not be able to join him.

Wife Isabella is taking her barrister's exams while sons Richard and Daniel are due to sit their GCSEs and A Levels respectively.

But they will be able to follow his progress from the comfort of their East Lancashire home. Digital cameras placed on the wing will transmit pictures to a website chronicling each stage of the journey.