A HELENSBURGH lawyer is gearing up to take on a 350km charity cycle in Tanzania.

Alastair Hope, 60, is no stranger to legal challenges, running his practice, Raeburn Hope, in his home town.

But it’ll be his physical mettle that’ will be tested in Africa, although he has experience having cycled to Rajastan from Agra, India, 10 years ago in memory of his sister – who died of cancer.

Now the lawyer is determined to raise money for charity again by riding across the savannah on October 1.

Alastair said: “The savannah includes tricky terrain, dirt roads and immense heat whilst meandering through Massa villages and looking out for lions, giraffe elephants and rhino.

“I am slightly concerned about my training which has been slightly curtailed by injury but am determined to complete the trip.”

Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) will benefit from the money raised from the challenge – which Alastair has funded himself.

He added: “I chose CHAS because it is a Scottish charity and is the only charity that provides hospice services in Scotland for babies children and young people with life-shortening conditions through Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch. I have been very lucky with the health of my children but others are not and this resource is much needed.”

Alastair has set up a JustGiving page. To support Alastair and donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alastairhope.