Rock solid support for our man and his team-mates (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Rock solid support for our man and his team-mates

ONE of the Cotswolds' most popular nightspots has offered 'rock' solid support to our man and his Inca Challenge team-mates.

And the Mountain Mission team, who will take part in what is dubbed one of the world's toughest events, are urging other members of the local community to 'be on the ball' and get behind their efforts.

Standard Chief Reporter Paul Bull, personal trainer Mac McKinnon, carpenter Steve Barton and tennis/football coach Gareth Richards will take on other mountain bike teams in the South American Andes in September.

The team, will race for 1,000km through Bolivia and Chile to raise money for the Cirencester Hospital Scanner Appeal.

The team have already lined up a number of fundraising events in the lead up to the race, including a five a'side football tournament at the Cirencester Arena in Kingshill Lane on Easter Sunday (March 27).

And Biagio Vitale, who owns Cirencester's Rock Club, was keen to lend his support and has put forward £2,000 in commercial sponsorship.

Ian Benjamin, who manages the Bishop's Walk venue, said: "We're always keen to support the Cirencester community and are delighted to get behind a local team raising money for a good local cause."

In addition to the scanner appeal, the team will be raising funds for Cancer Research and the Parkinson's Disease Society but they need to drum up commercial sponsorship for the entry fee and equipment as well.

Paul said: "We're extremely grateful to Biag and everyone at the Rock for their support and are hoping that now they've set the ball rolling, other companies and individuals will be keen to follow their lead and help us raise money for some very worthy causes."

The team are currently in the process or organising a comedy night at The Rock on March 24 and this will be followed three days later by the Easter Sunday football tournament.

Anyone interested in entering the tournament or backing the team can call Paul at the Standard on 01285 642642 or e-mail paul@wiltsglosstandard.co.uk .