A father is embarking on a mammoth bike ride to raise money for a baby care unit.

Gary Hale, 25, will cycle to and from his home in Wiston Road, Whitehawk, to Climping in West Sussex over a four-day period – clocking up 200 miles along the way.

Mr Hale hopes to raise £2,000 for the Trevor Mann baby unit at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

His son Leighton, who will be three in August, was born seven weeks prematurely, weighing just 3lb 3oz.

Mr Hale said: “I want to finish the ride at 8.38am on August 4 which is when Leighton was born.

“I’m so grateful to the nurses and doctors for taking care of my baby and my partner because without them there they wouldn’t be here today.”

Mr Hale is also looking for a sponsor for the challenge. Anybody interested in sponsoring him on his quest should email gazzahale87@gmail.com.

To make a donation visit justgiving.com/ Gary-Hale-200Mile-Ride.