High hopes as Bognor man plans trek across Alps

Mike French is set to start a five-day trek through the French Alps on May 19.

His first experience of high-altitude life will be in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

He will set off with nine other volunteers to walk for eight hours a day through some of Europe's highest peaks.

"I love walking and I've been up in the Lake District but nowhere like the Alps before.

"It will be a good test of my stamina, my strength and my fitness and to see what I am like as a person.

"The trek will be about team building and meeting new people," he stated.

Mike (25), of Highfield Road, will be undergoing his physical test in return for donations to the British Heart Foundation. He has pledged to raise at least 1,350 for the organisation.

He explained: "I have wanted to do something for charity for a long time, but I wanted something that was different and a challenge.

"I chose the BHF because my family have had heart trouble. It's a cause which is close to me."

Mike has started to bring in the sponsorship with events like a people auction arranged with the youth group at Bognor's Kingsgate Church where he is a part-time youth worker as well as working in a mobile phone shop in Bognor.

He is also holding a bring and buy sale on Saturday, April 26.

Potential sponsors can back Mike on his website