A HAMPSHIRE man whose wife had a kidney transplant is planning a 240-mile cycle ride from Southampton to Leeds later this month in aid of charity.

Simon Wheeler, 39, of Ashurst Bridge, Totton, hopes to raise cash for the Portsmouth renal transplant team which is taking part in the British Transplant Games starting in Leeds on July 26.

Simon's wife, Daily Echo employee Mandy Wheeler, had a transplant in March last year at the renal transplant unit at St Mary's Hospital, Portsmouth, after her sister Sara-Jane Adlam donated a kidney.

Simon, a keen cyclist, said: "The treatment Mandy received before, during and since the transplant has been fantastic."

Donna Kemp, the nurse who looked after Mandy is captaining the Portsmouth games team.

Simon said: "Competitors will include every kind of transplant patient, including people from Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Dorset.

"The games highlight how people can lead a normal life following a successful transplant."

His employer, Lyndhurst Printing Company, Hardley, is helping to sponsor his two-day trip. Anyone wishing to sponsor him should ring transplant co-ordinator Nickie Ashby on 023 9228 6000, ext 3110.