AN Exbourne man is preparing to undertake a 250-mile trek across the Namibian desert on horseback next month to raise money for charity.
Mike Macklin, 65, a member of Okehampton Rotary Club, has been preparing for the 11-day challenge since March.
The ride will take Mike through the Namibian desert starting from Windhoek in the highlands through to the Atlantic coastal town of Swakopmund.
Along the way, Mike will travel along the Marble Mountains and can expect to see zebras and leopards.
As part of his training Mike has been riding on Dartmoor and has recently undertaken a walking holiday in Austria to strengthen his legs.
Mike said his family thought he was ?a bit crazy?, but explained ?it is something that I have always wanted to do and since I am a keen horse rider, I thought I would like to set myself this adventure.?
The intrepid rider will have to endure scorching heat in the desert with temperatures as high as 40C in the middle of the day but falling to below zero at night.
However, Mike said it was not the heat, but saddle soreness he was most concerned about as he would be riding for an average of about ten hours each day.
Mike is undertaking the challenge to raise money for Children?s Hospice South West.
The Devon Aid- Korogwe project which helps provide clean water for communities in Tanzania will also benefit.
To sponsor Mr Macklin or find out more about the challenge contact him on 01837 851227.