A BUS driver is calling on people to get behind him to raise money for charity with his mammoth fitness challenge.

Gary Nicholls, from Accrington, is less than 100 days away from attempting to cycle 500 miles and walk the national three peaks within five days.

He has set a target of raising £7,500 for Alzheimer’s Society, Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team and Veterans in Communities.

The stepdad-of-two said: “It started with me just being a fat bloke in his 50s looking to lose a bit of weight.

“I’ve been looking to lose weight for a few years now and I thought a charity challenge would encourage me to do it.

“I do love cycling, I have done for 30 years, and I’m always up for a challenge.

“It’s a mix of trepidation and excitement, I’m constantly having people at work encourage me which is great.

“My family and friends think I’m nuts, but I always have been.”

From Wednesday, August 30, he will be attempting to cycle from Fort William to Caernarfon and walk Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.

Nicknamed ‘The Sloth’ by friends the 53-year-old has given the challenge the headline of ‘No salad or Lycra’ to show his lack of athletic background.

The grandfather-of-three has already lost two stone in training for his challenge, after initially weighing around 17 stone, is hoping to lose another two.

As well as implementing a training scheme for the challenge, which has seen him go on lengthy cycle rides several times a week, he has made dietary changes.

The Lonsdale Street resident said: “I’ve not made massive changes, it’s just been eating more sensibly and planning out what I eat.

“It was just too easy to eat four peanut butter sandwiches at night when I was a bit hungry.

“Bread and butter was what I was worst for.

“Now I’m really into my fresh fruit smoothies.”

A fundraising event will take place on Sunday at Darwen AFC football ground on Sunday, June 4, from 10.30am to raise awareness and money for the challenge.

The main event on the day is a football match between Blackburn and Burnley bus drivers and there will be face painting, bouncy castles, stalls and more.

He has chosen the charities due to his admiration of the work they do and is raising money for the Alzheimer’s society as his wife work in care.

The Blackburn bus driver has also set up a blog following his preparation.

To follow him or donate visit www.nosaladorlycra.co.uk.