TWO Merseyside briefs have made the longest ride of their lives for charity.

Barristers Steven Swift and Damian Sanders, from Rock Ferry, have got on their bikes to cycle in North West India.

The two bikers braved the blistering sun by riding the 341 kilometres from Jaipur to Agra to raise money for Whizz Kidz.

Whizz Kidz provides mobility aids such as wheelchairs, trikes and walking frames for disabled children.

Steven, from Blundellsands, and Damian hope to raise thousands of pounds between them.

They slept under canvas and had only basic washing facilities on the five-day trek which took them on Indian-made gearless mountain bikes through a tiger reserve and along dry, rocky valleys ending outside the Taj Mahal.

Steven said he became involved after reading about Whizz Kidz in the press, and asked Damian to join him.

"I fancied doing it. It stuck me as a bit of an adventure," he said.

Damian said: "We've been building up to be able to do 50 miles a day. The only thing we couldn't train for was the climate."

They have sought sponsorship from the Bar, the judiciary, and local companies, and held a raffle, but would welcome any further donations.

Steven and Damian can be contacted at India Buildings Chambers on 243-6000, and ask that any cheques be addressed to Whizz Kidz.

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