HIGH flier Dave McGauley is attempting what he believes could be a new record.

He is setting off becoming the first Briton to fly a microlight, solo and unsupported, around the USA.

And it's all in aid of cancer research.

Former policeman Dave (51), an electrical engineer who has also served in the Merchant Navy, has been a microlight enthusiast for the last five years.

A member of the Formby-based Ince Blundell Flying Club, Dave and his Blade 912 trike 390kg microlight have already clocked up thousands of miles flying over Britain and Europe.

However, for the last four years the man from Top Colliers Row, Rainford, has been saving up for and planning his courageous mission to America.

His journey, scheduled to start in April, covers more than 10,000 miles and will cost an estimated £10,000. He said: "As far as I am aware, no Briton has ever done this before. The journey is approximately 10,000 miles but will probably be more than that to avoid restricted airspace and bad weather. I will also be flying over the Texas, New Mexico and Arizona deserts, twice over the Rocky Mountains and large areas of forest in the north."

Dave is now looking for help or sponsorship from local businesses or individuals and is planning to donate all the money he raises to Clatterbridge Hospital Cancer Research Trust.

He added: "I would welcome any help to cover the cost of shipping and fuel and sponsors can get a free advertisement on a special website, Nick's Micro Pages which will be charting my progress. I would also welcome sponsorship for the number of miles I do, say a penny a mile or £1 for every 1,000 miles."

Anyone who would like to sponsor Dave or learn more of his journey, can e-mail him on cuttingedge@micropages.co.uk or access the Nick's Micro Pages website on http://www.micropages.co.uk/cuttingedge.

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