A BUSINESSMAN is gearing up for a ‘lung-busting’ cycle challenge to help disabled children and their families.

Matthew James, co-director of Lychpit-based Precision Rehab Limited which supplies specialist powered wheelchairs, is to undertake the London to Brighton Cycle Ride to raise funds for disabled children’s charity Caudwell Children.

The 43-year-old, will take on the challenge on Sunday, 16 September, and if he completes the 54-mile ride, he hopes to raise £5,000 for the national charity that provides practical and emotional support to disabled children and their families.

The father-of-two, who has already completed the London to Brighton Cycle Ride twice, said: “I’ve been in the disability industry for over 25 years so I know all about the charity.

“I’ve often been amazed by their work and the way they support young people living with a disability.

“I hope that by taking part in this year’s ride I can raise as much money as possible to help this fantastic charity, which provides funding for powered or manual wheelchairs, dream holidays, specialist equipment and family support services.”

Matthew, a keen golfer and Chelsea season ticket holder, will ride from south London to Madeira Drive on the Brighton seafront and is confident he will complete the challenge.

He added: “I’ve been cycling all my life and I usually ride up to 30 miles, three times a week.

“I enjoy it, and it keeps me fit, and it certainly helped me when I took on the London to Brighton Cycle Ride for the first time, some 25 years ago.”

Steffi Brown, volunteer co-ordinator at Caudwell Children, said: “We can’t thank Matthew enough.

“Every penny that Matthew raises will go to the disabled children that we support as all the charity’s administrative costs are covered by a major benefactor.

“We’d love the public to support his lung-busting efforts so he can smash his target, and help us support even more disabled children throughout Hampshire.”

To support Matthew, go to justgiving.com/matt-james20 and to find out more about Caudwell Children, go to caudwellchildren.com.