A MOTORCYCLIST is planning a sponsored trip to Torquay to raise money for the Sam Shaw Appeal.

Window cleaner Andrew Smith, who is originally from Darwen, will complete the 528-mile round trip for the four-year-old Hoddlesden boy, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer, in January.

His parents are hoping to be able to take him to America for treatment but need to raise £250,000 to be able to do so.

Father-of-two Mr Smith, 52, who now lives in Salford, said he was inspired to take on the challenge on his Honda Blackbird after reading about Sam’s story in the Lancashire Telegraph.

He said: “My mum lives in Hoddlesden and she visits me once a week and brings the papers with her.

“I read about Sam and I thought it was a fantastic appeal, so I wanted to raise some money.”

Mr Smith expects it will take him around four hours to get to Torquay, where he will have a two-hour rest before starting the journey home again.

He has not yet set a date, but expects to complete the challenge at the end of August.

To sponsor him, visit www.justgiving.com/andrew-smith93.