CAR mechanic Ian Handley has changed a lifestyle gear to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

The 44-year-old, of Allerton, Bradford, admits the only exercise he used to commit to was dashing to the bar for last orders but now all that has changed - for charity's sake.

He has also kicked the 20 cigarettes a day habit and is full of energy for a new life of adventure.

"I’d recommend it to anyone. I used to be a heavy smoker whose only exercise was dashing to last orders at the bar but I felt there was more to life.

"When I saw an adventurers wanted story in the Telegraph & Argus it changed my life.

"Just days later I had responded to the British Red Cross's appeal and signed up to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Suddenly I was doing new things for the first time - and that included fundraising."

Last year he raised £4,000 for the charity by conquering Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world and has also abseiled down a Sheffield skyscraper and skydived from three miles up to keep helping the charity help millions of people in the UK and around the world affected by emergencies, disasters and conflicts.

Next month he was due to start a 12-day Himalayan adventure trekking 120kms from the picturesque village of Lukla to Everest's famous base camp 5,357 metres up but the trip might now have to be re-scheduled because his four-legged best friend Lucy has taken ill.

To get ready for the trek he has been working out with his personal trainer at Workout Health Club in Bingley and has already raised £3,000 towards it.

Mr Handley, who next week starts his own business at Thackley MOT centre, said: "I'm waiting to hear back from the charity if I can go later. "Lucy my ten-year-old Labrador has just been diagnosed with a chronic pancreatic disease and is due back at the vets the day I was supposed to be flying out to Nepal. I can't leave her if she's in a bad way, she's my best friend.

"I'm still up for the base camp challenge and don't want to let anyone down. I've got my visa organised and even paid for the parking at Heathrow. Hopefully I'll get news soon."

Mr Handley's Everest fundraising page is at virginmoneygiving.com/IanH

For the less adventurous who would still like to raise funds for the charity but stay closer to home, the Red Cross is also looking for people to take part on its other organised walks this year which include a seven-mile trek in the Peak District and the Yorkshire Three Peaks over 24 miles. Go to redcross.org.uk/Walks to find out more.