A NORTH-EAST pub owner could soon be swapping pints for petrol in an effort to raise £10,000 for charity.

Gordon Littlewood, owner of The Mallard, Seaham, east Durham, is planning a five-day sponsored motorbike ride across England with some of the pub’s regulars in aid of Matthew’s Milestone.

The fundraising appeal, launched by Sunderland based charity, Hope4Kidz, was designed to support nine year-old Matthew Brettell, who has become virtually wheelchair bound since being diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy two years ago.

Gordon and his fellow riders - Andrew Littlewood, Graham Parker, Darren Parker, Arran Gilbraith, Mark Vassey, Jeff Garrett, Ryan Anderson and Anthony Mongon - hope to raise £10,000 to help make much-needed adaptations to Matthew’s home– and are now appealing for the public’s help.

Mr Littlewood said: “This money could change Matthew’s life. It’s an incredibly good cause and we’re all so determined to hit our target.

“Before we can leave though we need to raise £2,000 to help pay for the fuel, the bikes and the support van, so we really need people to get on board.”

Gordon and his group, who hope to set off on September 6, will be supported throughout their 1,600 mile fundraising journey by Mallard regulars, Malcolm Langley and David Wilson, who plan to follow in a van to provide much-needed food and camping equipment.

All proceeds raised will go towards adapting Matthew’s home at Thornley Close, Sunderland to accommodate his electric wheelchair and creating a two-storey extension, including a specially adapted bedroom and bathroom, space for medical supplies, accommodation for nursing staff and a disabled lift platform.

For information about the motorbike ride, to get involved, or for sponsorship opportunities, contact Gordon Littlewood on 0191 5812090.

More information about Matthew’s Milestone, is also available from Hope4Kidz on 0191 534 7788, aimee.burns@hope4kidz.org.uk, or www.hope4kidz.org.uk and by searching Matthew Milestone on Facebook and Twitter.