ROARIN' to go!

That's Bury biker Andrew Makin who is to tour Scotland later this year to raise vital cash for a hospital charity.

The 29-year-old will clock up hundreds of miles during his sponsored journey, the proceeds which will go to the special baby care unit at Fairfield Hospital, Bury.

Because two of his sister's children were treated at the unit, this spurred Andrew into action.

"My nephew Ben Hicking, who is now aged five, only weighed a bag of sugar when he was born and was actually given the last rites," recalled Andrew of Whitby Close, Bury. "But thanks to the unit, he pulled through. Ben's brother Johnny, who is thee-years-old, was also treated there."

He went on: "I've now decided what I want to do and it will be to put money back into the unit and help them because they did so much for my family."

Commenting on his marathon fund raising bike ride in August, Andrew continued: "I plan to do a distillery run, visiting as many as I can in Scotland.

"I will get them to stamp a card which I'll keep with me. I'll also be heading towards the Isle of Skye, also go to John O'Groats and the highlands and make my way back down."

Andrew, pictured with Suzuki 1200 Bandit machine on which he will be travelling, has been involved in motor cycling for the past nine years.

The sale rep's main sponsor is Bury-based Scorpion Motosport which is providing support and backing for the event.

Meanwhile, Andrew is anxious to secure more sponsors. Anyone who can help is asked to contact him on 761 6602.