A PARTNER of one of Bolton’s most successful dental firms has set himself the mammoth challenge of cycling 150 miles in one day.

Mark Ray, one half of Ravat and Ray Dental Care, is aiming to raise £2,500 for the As-Suffa Insititute’s homeless outreach project.

He will be cycling the fearsome, hilly route used in the bike section of the Ironman competition on August 4, 10 miles more than he has attempted before.

Mr Ray said: “As-Suffa is a fantastic charity, desperately in need of local support, and we couldn't turn down the chance to support them.

“It’s great to be able to generate support for charity doing something that I love, at least that's what I’m thinking before I complete it.

“My friend Andy Wilshaw will be my wingman again this year — and still doesn't know how I manage to talk him into these missions.”

In 2012, Mr Ray cycled to each of Ravat and Ray’s 10 practices in Manchester, Lancashire and Yorkshire — a distance of 130 miles, and took on the 140-mile coast-to-coast ride the following year The As-Suffa Institute has provided over 5000 meals to people in need and is hoping to open a food bank in Bolton.

Every Sunday in Bolton, a team provides meals to people in hostels and on the streets from 7 to 9pm. To sponsor Mr Ray visit justgiving.com/Mark-Ray14