FOR months expedition leader Mike Ogden prepared for a 1,400 mile charity trek from Spain to Leigh in aid of last year’s Children In Need Appeal.

He was shattered when just before the big event he was struck down by Dengue Fever and forced to cancel.

He caught the disease in South East Asia where he had led an adventure and spent a week in Wigan Infirmary and weeks recovering at home.

Now Mike is 100% fit, raring to go again and planning to complete the same trek this time in aid of Children In Need 2009.

He will leave Southern Spain on September 5 and head for his home in Leigh for the charity that he says is very close to his heart.

Mike, 39, a personal trainer, is appealing for sponsors to boost his contribution.

He said: “No matter how small every single penny will count towards the much needed funds that Children In Need needs to enable it to continue its excellent work.”

Mike, of Schofield |Gardens, Leigh, will be following official national long distance paths starting from the Sierra Nevada region of Southern Spain.

His route will take him through mountain routes to northern Spain and Santander where he will cross to Plymouth for the English part of the hike.

This will him along the South West Peninsula Coastal Path to Minehead - a stretch of 410 miles, then he will cross the Severn Bridge to Chepstow to pick up the Offa's Dyke path and north to Prestatyn.

The last leg of his journey will feature local footpaths and minor roads taking him home to Leigh, The trek will take around three months and he plans to arrive in England on or very near to Children In Need night, November 20.

Mike said: “Every penny raised will go to Children In Need. Any expenses I occur along the way I will be footing myself.”

Anyone wishing to contribute can do so through Mike’s charity event page on www.justgiving.com/hikewithmike09. His progress can be followed on www.youtube.com/user/HikeWithMike09